Western Australia is growing fast, but there’s a major constraint holding it back: workforce supply.
Right now, 62 professions in WA are officially recognised as facing long-term skills shortages. That’s not a temporary COVID-era glitch. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, these shortages have persisted for more than four years, across critical sectors like construction, aged care, hospitality, healthcare, and education.
Even with WA leading the country in population growth for the past two years, underemployment has remained one of the lowest in the nation meaning the people who want more work aren’t the answer. The reality is, there just aren’t enough people in the system to meet the scale of demand.
At Working In, we speak to WA employers every day who are ready to expand, deliver new projects, or take on contracts but are stuck waiting for the workforce to catch up.
A recent editorial in The West Australian (8 June 2025) highlighted the gravity of the issue and made a compelling case for change. The editorial also reported:
- WA’s international education sector contributes $3.6 billion annually to the economy.
- Visa fee increases have led to plummeting student enrolments.
- Construction alone will need an estimated 10,000 new workers every year.
- Around 75% of that demand is expected to be met through local apprenticeships but the rest needs to come from skilled migrants who can start immediately.
This isn’t just a policy debate. These numbers represent real businesses missing out on growth, communities missing services, and regional towns under pressure.
So what’s the solution?
We need a more flexible and regionally responsive migration policy one that reflects WA’s unique circumstances. That means removing blanket national rules that unintentionally limit access to international workers, students, and long-term residents.
Migration doesn’t take jobs away. In WA, it’s what keeps the economy running.
At Working In, we’re already helping businesses across the State fill the gaps ethically, efficiently, and with long-term planning in mind. Whether it’s sourcing skilled tradespeople from overseas, managing visa processes, or helping workers secure residency, we’re part of the solution.
Need help planning your workforce or bringing in skilled people?
Get in touch – we’re here to help WA grow.
This post includes commentary in response to The West Australian editorial
“There are simply not enough people to do all the jobs WA’s economy needs to fill”, published 8 June 2025.
Read the original article here.
