The delegation included representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy, the Australian Hotels Association, Motor Trades Association, and Civil Contractors Federation, as well as other industry groups.

They met with a range of key industry and government organisations and attended six skilled migration-related events during the 10-day mission.

“Western Australia is facing a potential shortfall of up to 150 000 skilled workers by 2017, with demand being driven by strong growth in the State’s resources industry,” Minister Collier said.

“This in turn places pressure on many of the State’s other sectors, presenting significant challenges for government, industry and the community, as the demand for skilled labour increases.”

“While the Government’s top priority is to ensure jobs are filled from within Western Australia, this alone will not be enough, and targeted migration will be essential to boost our skilled labour needs.”

The objective of the visit was to provide prospective skilled migrants with information on living and working in Western Australia. A migration-focused DVD, Western Australia – a real opportunity, was shown at all events and provided a spectacular showcase of what Western Australia offers.

“The response was phenomenal,” Minister Collier said. “We were well received everywhere we visited, with literally hundreds of people queuing to visit the Western Australia stand in London and Leeds.”  

People at the migration event in Ireland, which was oversubscribed, were extremely receptive to the idea of living and working in Western Australia. 

“The mission was a great success and will ultimately contribute to supplementing the Western Australian workforce through targeted skilled migration.”