Last week the Australian Government held the Jobs and Skills Summit, which brought every industry to the table to discuss and attempt to rectify the worker shortages that has held a continued grip on the economy.

 In case you missed it, here are some of the immediate changes that will be implemented from the summit that could affect you. 



A one-off $4000 income credit of $4000 for Age Pensioners who want to work

The work bonus and changes to pension reapplication rules are due to provide flexibility for older Australians to participate in the workforce. 

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) CEO Andrew McKellar said that the idea to stoke the workforce flame through retirees has often been fanned out by the idea of retirees losing their pension benefits. 

“By removing some of the barriers for pensioners who want to work we can make a real difference in their lives and also help businesses struggling to find staff,” Mr McKellar said.

Increasing the permanent Migration Program ceiling, extending visas and relaxing work restrictions on international students

Changes in 2022-23 will raise the ceiling to 195,000 people who can access the Migration Program. Additional funding should also help to resolve the visa backlog stopping workers entering Australia. 

Australian College of Nursing (ACN) CEO Kylie Ward said that local health is set to benefit from the changes. 

“This measure will help fill shortages in urgent areas of need, including rural and remote and aged care,” Adjunct Professor Ward said. 

Australian Workers Union National Secretary Dan Walton said that migration is a necessary but short term solution. 

“We believe employers in Australia have an obligation to help Australians fill the roles they are creating,” Mr Walton said. 

$575 million made available to invest in affordable housing

Expanding the National Housing Infrastructure Facility makes it possible to attract financing from super funds and other sources of private capital to invest in affordable housing. 

National Shelter CEO Emma Greenhalgh said giving people on low and modest incomes greater housing choice is critically important. 

“Regional Australia is screaming out for workers, yet low vacancy rates and skyrocketing rents prevent people moving to the bush…this announcement is a good start in recognising the economic centrality of providing affordable homes,” Ms Greenhalgh said.

$1 billion extra funding for fee-free TAFE in 2023

The funding is due to cover an additional 180,000 fee-free courses next year. 

Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Wilcox said the investment package is a strong beginning, but will need to be used wisely. 

“The great challenge for TAFE will be building up its capacity to meet this increased demand while ensuring TAFEs are delivering the right skills that businesses need. 

The summit indicated that further work in future will include improvements to apprenticeship support systems to drive-up completions. 

The costs will be shared between Federal and State governments.

Amendments to the Fair Work Act and modernising Australia’s workplace relations laws

The amendments are aimed at strengthening access to flexible working arrangements, making unpaid parental leave more flexible and strengthening protection for workers against discrimination and harassment. 

Reviews of the laws could include reforms to the current Better-Off-Overall-Test (BOOT), which was designed to ensure fair workplace agreements for employees. 

 ACCI CEO Andrew McKellar said that the test has become an unworkable barrier to wages growth. 

“There is consensus between employers and unions that our bargaining system is withering…we have to restore the link between productivity and bargaining and wages,” Mr McKellar said. 

Consultation with stakeholders to being the Fair Work Act is due to begin this week. 

More to come

The summit saw various requests on the two-day agenda, with the Government agreeing to 36 immediate initiatives. 

Key priorities include improving access to jobs and training pathways for women, First Nations people, regional Australians and culturally and linguistically diverse people. 

To read more outcomes from the Jobs and Skills Summit that could impact you and the community, click here.