Refugee Workforce Study Sparked by Australia’s Move Towards Net Zero Emissions
A study has been launched in NSW to match refugees with jobs and housing in regional Australia, with one organization stating it has 100,000 workers available.
A groundbreaking study has begun in New South Wales to explore how skilled refugee workers could meet the labor needs of regional Australia.
Collaborating with the Australian National University, global NGO Talent Beyond Boundaries, and the Regional Australia Institute, the University of New South Wales’ Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law and Business School is leading the project.
The aim is to investigate how small and medium-sized businesses in regional areas can utilize refugees who settle in those communities.
Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, highlighted the urgent need for skilled labor, especially as the country shifts towards a low-carbon economy.
Despite a national unemployment increase of 13.1%, regional job openings remain unfilled, with nearly 80,000 positions advertised monthly across regional Australia.
Skilled migrants can help fill these job vacancies and play a crucial role in supporting regional economies as Australia moves towards zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The study shows a significant increase in people leaving major cities, contributing to a population influx in regional areas, posing challenges such as rising homelessness and low rental vacancy rates.
Supporters of the initiative believe that creating a scalable migration program for displaced talent sponsored by employers could benefit both refugees seeking a new home and regional communities in need of skilled workers.
