Luke Grant is joined by Richard Dudley, CEO of the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), who says the omission of critical automotive trades as priorities for skilled migration exacerbates existing skills shortages, potentially derailing economic recovery efforts.

Mr Dudley says the lack of any automotive occupation on the Government’s latest Priority Migration Skilled Occupations List (PMSOL) is a slap in the face to thousands of Australian automotive businesses struggling to meet demand and keep the nation moving and connected.

‘The failure to include mechanics (light and heavy vehicle and diesel), panel beaters and vehicle painters not only says automotive is not a priority, but industries, infrastructure projects, and the mobility and connectivity of Australians are also not a priority.’

‘The PMSOL list failed to acknowledge a current shortage of 31,140 skilled positions across automotive industries, the highest skilled labour shortage ever recorded, and the impact this was causing in the service and repair of the 20 million strong national vehicle fleet.’

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