The Department of Jobs and Small Business has published a draft bulletin for public comment on proposed changes to the skilled occupations lists to take effect in mid-2018.

The “Traffic Light” system continues to be used with some occupations flagged to be removed from the skilled occupations lists, and others to be moved between the Short Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL), Medium to Long Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL) and the Regional Occupations List (ROL).

This article explains which occupations are being considered for removal from, or transition between, the lists, and what the likely impacts will be.

Which Application Types Will be Affected?

It appears that the proposed changes will affect employer-sponsored applications as well as General Skilled Migration

The Department of Jobs and Small Business has published a draft bulletin for public comment on proposed changes to the skilled occupations lists to take effect in mid-2018.

The “Traffic Light” system continues to be used with some occupations flagged to be removed from the skilled occupations lists, and others to be moved between the Short Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL), Medium to Long Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL) and the Regional Occupations List (ROL).

This article explains which occupations are being considered for removal from, or transition between, the lists, and what the likely impacts will be.

Which Application Types Will be Affected?

It appears that the proposed changes will affect employer-sponsored applications as well as General Skilled Migration.

Which Occupations May be Removed?

The following occupations which are on the STSOL have been flagged for possible removal from the list entirely:

• 133411 Manufacturer
• 211499 Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals NEC
• 212312 Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage)
• 212314 Film and Video Editor
• 212315 Program Director (Television or Radio)
• 212316 Stage Manager
• 212317 Technical Director
• 212318 Video Producer
• 241311 Middle School Teacher
• 323215 Textile, Clothing, and Footwear Mechanic
• 323316 Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer
• 342411 Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
• 342413 Telecommunications Lineworker
• 399211 Chemical Plant Operator
• 399312 Library Technician
• 411715 Residential Care Officer
• 599612 Insurance Loss Adjuster

Which Occupations May be Moved?

The following occupations are currently on the MLTSSL and may be moved to the STSOL:

• 221112 Management Accountant
• 234111 Agricultural Consultant
• 312212 Civil Engineering Technician

The following occupations are currently on the STSOL and may be moved to the MLTSSL:

• 452411 Footballer

The following occupations are currently on the STSOL and may be moved to the ROL which will require the position to be based in a regional area of Australia:

• 252312 Dentist
• 253211 Anaesthetist

Impact on ENS Direct Entry Applicants

If you are looking at an ENS Direct Entry application, and your occupation is flagged for removal from the MLTSSL, you would no longer be eligible if you lodge the application after the changes to the lists take effect.

However, if you have applied prior to the changes taking effect, your application is still likely to be processed even if your occupation is removed whilst your application is pending.