Changes proposed to Australia Skilled Occupation Lists

The Australian Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business has recently released the Traffic Light Bulletin that indicates the potential changes to the Australia Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL). The proposed changes include removing or down-grading of a few trades occupations and adding occupations related to personal care and the care of the elderly to the Australia SOL. The proposed changes, if accepted, will be formalized by March 2020.
The occupations that could be removed from all Australia Skilled Occupation Lists are classified as red occupations in the Traffic Light Bulletin. These include hairdresser, massage therapist and community worker. Earlier, these occupations had been popular among migrants and in demand in Australia.

Orange occupations are those which are likely to be moved between three Australia Skilled Occupation Lists, namely: Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL). Some occupations such as Automotive Electricians and Motorcycle Mechanics, Painting Trades Workers, and Wall and Floor Tilers are likely to be downgraded from MLTSSL to STSOL. At the same time, some other occupations will be moved from ROL to STSOL. These include Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson and Real Estate Representative. Occupations such as Sales and Marketing Manager, ICT Project Manager, and Information and Organization Professionals which includes the occupation ‘Data Scientist’ will be moved from STSOL to MLTSSL.
If comes into effect, this change would open up pathways to permanent residency for 482 visa applicants and a chance to apply for a Skilled Independent 189 visa. Similarly, the occupation of Geologist is likely to be moved from the STSOL to ROL. At the same time, occupations such as Procurement Manager and Ship’s Master may be moved from ROL to MLTSSL as a result of which, the employers will be able to sponsor employees outside of regional Australia.
Green occupations or those which are likely to be added to the STSOL include Aged or Disabled Carer, Nursing Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant etc.
Besides the proposed changes to the Australia Skilled Occupation Lists, the Department has also recommended implementing a minimum salary caveat of AU $65000 per annum for bakers, pastry cooks, and fitter and turners. The recommended annual minimum salary caveat for sportspersons is AU$ 120,000.
Further, the Department has also identified certain new and emerging occupations the currently do not fit into the ANZSCO system. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has decided to fit these occupations into the following definitions:

 
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