The 黑料大事 (PIA) welcomes the inclusion of Urban and Regional Planners on the federal government’s Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
The CSOL provides access to temporary skilled migration for high demand occupations, and this decision will help address the national shortage of qualified planners in Australia, according to PIA CEO Matt Collins MPIA.
“PIA has a focus on addressing the shortage of planners, and the inclusion of planners on the CSOL will help address the immediate demand. We are also actively encouraging local high school students to choose planning careers through our Become A Planner campaign,” Mr Collins said.
When the draft CSOL was released for consultation earlier this year, Urban and Regional Planners weren’t included in the draft ‘On List’. Following PIA’s advocacy and a detailed submission, Urban and Regional Planners are now included in the final list.
PIA CEO Matt Collins said Urban and Regional Planners play a vital role in shaping Australia’s cities, towns, and regions.
“Planners have a key role to play in creating great communities and planning for the infrastructure, housing, and sustainable communities Australia needs,” he said.
The inclusion of planners on the CSOL will strengthen Australia’s capacity to tackle critical challenges in urban development, including housing shortages and climate resilience.
Because there is a planner shortage that can only partly be met through training, PIA have also urged the Australian Government to include planners on the list of professions that can get a long term visa to work in Australia.