The Federal Government yesterday announced reforms to the permanent skilled migration program so it is demand- rather than supply-driven.

Highly skilled workers like healthcare, engineering and mining professionals will be among those most sought after under the new scheme.

Council community support and aged-care manager Debbie MacKinlay said the changes would cut the number of skilled migrants moving to the Border and becoming disgruntled because they couldn’t find a job.

“Families are arriving here with the expectation of a new life and lots of work in their chosen field but finding that’s just not the case,” she said.

“They are then being forced into jobs lower than their qualifications.”

The program in Wodonga has identified gaps in nurses, midwives, welders and boiler makers, dentists, allied health professionals, medical specialists, press brake operators and chefs.

One of the occupations to be struck from the list used to select skilled migrants will be a cook, which Ms MacKinlay said could exacerbate a shortage of skilled workers in the hospitality industry.

“It does have that potential,” she said.

“But that’s then our role, to advocate to government to let it know what the skill gaps are in our area.”

Ms MacKinlay said the program had helped 19 skilled migrants settle in Wodonga since the start of the 2009-10 financial year.

Changes to the program will include cancelling and refunding the applications of 20,000 prospective migrants now living overseas.

The points test used to assess migrants will be reviewed to ensure it selects only the best and brightest, state and territory-specific migration plans will be developed and certain occupations may be capped.

The new arrangements will give first priority to skilled migrants who have a job lined up with an Australian employer.

Potential new Australians will also need to have better English language skills.

Editorial — page 14