Adam Marshall back rural migration policy

The Regional Australia Institute has called on the government to make small policy changes, which would make it easier for skilled migrants to settle in rural communities.

“I think a lot of communities would welcome new residents coming in to their town with key skills in areas where gaps are and have been for many year,” he said.

“Whether it’s a place like Emmaville, that’s desperate to find a GP, or Moree which is desperate to find people to work the land, or Inverell, where they need people with knife skills on the boning room floor of Bindaree Beef.”

Mr Marshall said sadly there was still a perception that rural communities don’t accept or like migrants coming in to their towns.

“But having lived in the country all my life, I can say the exact opposite is true,” he said.

“Country people won’t care where you come from. If you’ve got a skill that is needed, get involved and be part of the community, then you will be welcomed with open arms.”

Many of workforce shortages have nothing to do with training, Mr Marshall said, with locals either unable or unwilling to take up employment in particular roles.

“This is a very well-thought out rational approach,” he said.

“It can be a simple as having two, maybe three people, come in to a community with skills that match neatly with watch the community’s needs – a butch or an electrician.”