This section provides lists of skill shortages for Australia and each state and territory based on the latest available DEEWR research. They are updated on a six monthly basis. A list of historical national skill shortages is also available.
These lists have no status for migration purposes or for Australian Government education and training programs.
Skill shortage ratings are allocated to occupations based on the following definitions:
- Shortage – Skill shortages exist when employers are unable to fill or have considerable difficulty filling vacancies for an occupation, or significant specialised skill needs within that occupation, at current levels of remuneration and conditions of employment, and in reasonably accessible locations.
- Recruitment difficulty – Recruitment difficulties occur when some employers have difficulty filling vacancies for an occupation. There may be an adequate supply of skilled workers but some employers are unable to attract and recruit sufficient, suitable workers for reasons which include: specific experience or specialist skill requirements of the vacancy; differences in hours of work required by the employer and those sought by applicants; or particular location or transport issues.
Ratings may be applied to either regional or metropolitan areas, but only if the research suggests there is substantial variation between the two.
A rating of shortage does not mean every job seeker will readily find employment. Ratings should always be viewed in the context of the full occupational analysis, which is available in the publications or occupational reports areas of this website.
Enquiries can be emailed to AustralianJobs@deewr.gov.au.
Skill shortage lists current to December 2011