Western Australia’s economic strength depends heavily on skilled migration. The state’s booming construction, mining, healthcare, and defence industries rely on a steady pipeline of qualified professionals to meet housing targets, deliver national projects, and sustain business growth. With labour shortages persisting across most sectors, maintaining access to global talent is critical to keeping the state’s economy moving.
However, the federal government’s proposal to reduce Western Australia’s skilled migration allocation by 30% has triggered concern across industries and state bodies. Employers warn that a smaller intake could slow housing and infrastructure delivery, delay major projects, and increase competition for skilled workers. As demand continues to exceed local supply, the reduction risks amplifying existing workforce pressures and weakening the state’s economic momentum, highlighting the need for businesses to plan ahead and protect their workforce continuity.
What’s being proposed
The federal government has outlined plans to reduce Western Australia’s State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) allocation from 5,000 to 3,400 places for the 2025–26 program year, which is a 30% decrease. The proposal is part of a broader national adjustment to manage state nomination numbers and streamline visa processing.
In response, Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia, has written to the Commonwealth requesting that the decision be reconsidered, noting that Western Australia’s workforce needs are distinct and vital to national economic goals. With large-scale projects such as the AUKUS submarine base, housing delivery targets, and ongoing resource developments underway, the state government argues that maintaining a strong migration pipeline is critical to sustaining growth and business confidence.
While the Department of Home Affairs has indicated that national skilled-visa planning levels will remain unchanged, a smaller allocation would limit how many new skilled professionals WA can nominate through state pathways.
Impact on Western Australia’s workforce
If the proposed 30% reduction proceeds, the effects will ripple through key industries, regional communities, and the wider labour market:
- Deepening skill shortages: construction, healthcare, aged care, defence, and trade sectors will face greater strain as competition for qualified workers intensifies.
- Regional workforce pressure: employers outside Perth may struggle to attract essential talent, limiting regional development and service delivery.
- Delays and rising costs: fewer skilled workers could slow housing and infrastructure projects, driving up delivery costs and increasing contract risks.
- Reduced workforce pipeline: lower migration inflows may restrict business growth and long-term workforce planning.
- Uncertainty for skilled migrants: applicants awaiting WA nomination could face delays or may need to explore alternative visa pathways.
- Shifts in business strategy: employers may increase wages, invest in upskilling, or adjust recruitment plans – measures that take time and add cost.
What employers should consider
With migration policy settings under review, employers must adopt a forward-thinking approach to workforce planning. The proposed reduction reinforces the need to act early, diversify recruitment options, and maintain compliance readiness.
Practical steps for employers:
- Audit workforce needs: identify roles most exposed to skill shortages and plan recruitment timelines accordingly.
- Prepare early for nominations: organise documentation and evidence in advance to move quickly when allocations are confirmed.
- Broaden visa strategy: explore employer-sponsored, regional, or labour agreement pathways that offer greater flexibility.
- Strengthen compliance systems: keep sponsorship records, training benchmarks, and reporting obligations current to avoid processing setbacks.
- Align migration with business strategy: ensure HR, project, and finance teams collaborate on workforce planning to avoid operational disruption.
- Engage expert guidance: work with migration specialists to interpret new policy settings and implement compliant, resilient workforce solutions.
A proactive strategy will help employers adapt smoothly to allocation changes and maintain project delivery without compromising compliance or productivity.
Implications for skilled migrants
For skilled professionals seeking to live and work in Western Australia, the proposed reduction means fewer nomination opportunities and stronger competition. Applicants should take a strategic approach to improve visibility and readiness in the selection process.
To stay competitive, applicants should:
- Keep Expressions of Interest (EOIs) up to date with current qualifications, experience, and English results.
- Prepare supporting documents early, including skills assessments and references, to act quickly once nominations reopen.
- Consider alternative visa options, such as employer-sponsored or regional programs, which may provide faster or more flexible entry.
- Stay informed through official updates and trusted migration advisers to track changes to nomination priorities.
Although national visa planning levels remain stable, Western Australia’s smaller allocation could extend processing times and raise entry thresholds. Well-prepared, compliant applications, supported by professional guidance, will stand out in a competitive environment.
Navigating change with expert support
Policy shifts in skilled migration can quickly affect workforce plans, recruitment timelines, and business growth. While the Commonwealth’s intent is to manage visa backlogs, states like Western Australia continue to face critical labour shortages that demand ongoing access to skilled talent.
Absolute Immigration expects that the Federal Government will take into consideration the Premier’s concerns, as any reduction in the skilled migration allocation will directly impact employers’ ability to meet workforce demand, deliver major projects, and maintain Australia’s broader economic momentum. A balanced approach is essential to ensure that both national policy objectives and state workforce realities are aligned.
Our expert team work alongside employers and skilled professionals to turn policy changes into practical solutions. Our approach is proactive, strategic, and tailored, helping businesses stay compliant, agile, and ready to act when new migration settings take effect.
We partner with employers to:
- Map workforce needs and align them with the most effective visa pathways.
- Optimise nomination and sponsorship processes to reduce risk and improve efficiency.
- Support skilled professionals with end-to-end visa preparation and documentation management.
With a proven track record in complex migration environments, Absolute Immigration delivers clarity, confidence, and continuity when businesses need it most.
Take the next step
For expert advice on managing migration changes and protecting your workforce pipeline, contact aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to connect with our specialist team.
