Engineers Australia Warns Engineer Shortages Could Worsen Summer Risks

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Engineers Australia warns Australia needs more engineers as hotter temperatures, bushfire danger and growing pressure on infrastructure threaten communities this summer. Decades of warming, dry conditions and expanding urban density are heightening risks to buildings, transport networks and communities near bushfire-prone areas. In response, Engineers Australia urges governments to prioritise engineering-led planning and design, warning…

AI Pilot Targets Faster Skills Recognition for Skilled Workers

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An AI-powered pilot led by VETASSESS aims to speed up Recognition of Prior Learning, helping skilled workers secure formal qualifications sooner and easing workforce shortages. VETASSESS, a division of Bendigo Kangan Institute, has launched the pilot in partnership with the Victorian Government and TAFE network. The initiative tests how artificial intelligence (AI) can modernise the…

Professional Skills Assessments to Change as VETASSESS Updates Systems

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VETASSESS overhauled professional skills assessment processes from 01 December 2025, introducing new processing times, identity rules and outcome terminology for migration applicants. By the Numbers VETASSESS confirmed the changes will apply only to professional occupations and will not affect trade assessments. The authority said the updates aim to improve consistency, transparency and turnaround times. Under…

Political Focus Shifts to Migrant Values as Net Migration Falls

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Australia’s net migration fell to just over 305,000 last financial year, as political debate turns from immigration numbers to the values and beliefs expected of new arrivals. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported on Thursday that net overseas migration (NOM), the difference between arrivals and departures, dropped 6,000 from the previous year and 250,000 below…

New Skills Assessment Mandatory for Pathway 1 Trade Applicants From 2026

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VETASSESS has announced that all Pathway 1 trade applicants must submit a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills (LLND) assessment with their application from January 1, 2026. Pathway 1 is a route for trade skill assessment for people without Australian qualifications. The assessing authority confirmed the change applies to applicants lodging a Documentary Evidence Assessment…

NSW Confirms 3,600 Skilled Visa Places for 2025–2026: Invitations to Resume in January

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NSW has fixed 3,600 skilled migration places for 2025–2026, restarting monthly invitations in January and opening two regional pathways on January 19. Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa NSW has allocated 2,100 places to the subclass 190 visa for the 2025–2026 program year. The state has already conducted three invitation rounds and filled about 25% of…

Coalition signals tougher language and values checks in new migration strategy

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Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the Coalition is considering stronger checks on migrant language skills and values as it finalises its new migration strategy for release this year. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Senator Jonathon Duniam said the party was examining ways to strengthen how commitment to Australia is assessed, including possible changes to visa conditions…