The Western Australian Labor government launched its re-election campaign with a significant commitment to affordable housing, pledging $443 million towards the construction of nearly 1,800 social and affordable homes across the state. The joint state and federal initiative aims to address the growing housing crisis impacting both Perth and regional areas.

The funding will cover the initial construction costs of a diverse range of homes, covering both apartments and single-family homes. A key element of the plan is to strategically locate these new homes near Metronet train stations and other essential services, improving accessibility and connectivity for residents.

A government statement read, the project would “comprise a mix of affordable rentals and social housing, with projects packaged together to create a pipeline of work for the state’s building industry and to attract builders from the east coast”.

The homes will be sold to community housing providers, supported by federal government loans and subsidies to ensure affordability.

This initiative has been welcomed by key housing advocates. Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell described the commitment as “major relief” for families struggling with housing costs. Her comments come as Perth has surpassed Sydney as Australia’s least affordable capital city for renters, with average weekly rents reaching $629. 

“This is significant and we really want to applaud (the government) and say thank you, we’re really pleased, we feel like they’ve listened to what we’ve been saying … and we’re really pleased with this announcement,” she said.

Ms Snell also urged for immediate measures to alleviate current pressures, suggesting a cap on rental price increases as a potential interim solution while the long-term projects are underway.

Louise Giolitto, CEO of the Western Australian Council of Social Service, while praising the initiative, acknowledged it as one component of a broader solution to the state’s ongoing housing crisis and cost-of-living pressures. 

The government anticipates the project will create significant jobs in the construction sector and stimulate local economies. Further details regarding the project timeline and specific locations are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Visa Reforms for Skilled Migrants

Separately, the Australian government announced significant changes to its visa system aimed at fixing critical skills shortages across the country. The newly released Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) fast-tracks visas for migrants in hundreds of occupations, including a significant number of trades vital to the construction industry. 

The 456 occupations listed, ranging from project managers and bricklayers to less conventional roles like yoga instructors, will be added to the Skills in Demand visa, providing streamlined pathways to Australian residency. 

Praising the initiative, Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles highlighted the critical need to attract more construction workers to combat Australia’s housing shortage.

“The Core Skills Occupation List plays an important role in ensuring Australia has a targeted skilled migration system that addresses genuine skills gaps in the economy, and works in conjunction with our work to train Australians,” he said.

The visa reforms will take effect on December 7th.

How PTL Global Recruitment can help

With over two decades of experience in this area, we at PTL Global recruitment focus on recruiting dedicated professionals committed to making Australia their permanent home, offering jobs in Australia to a workforce ready to contribute to long-term success.

Our dedication to matching the right candidate with the perfect job shines through in the testimonials below..

“I just felt it in my heart that I should appreciate  PTL global services for getting me a job in a very good company.  I haven’t felt this job satisfaction for quite a while. I am loving my job and the people, especially my bosses who are so supportive at work. I could never ask for more at this point.”

Just for memories, do you remember how much I wanted to come to Australia fast on a visitor’s visa and you advised me to do my assessment and get back to you. It was a long 9 months for me before my assessment results came out positive. That’s  when I started  assuming you had already forgotten  about me. Surprisingly after writing  to you indicating that we had talked before and I now had my assessment your response was, “Of course Eve I remember you, how can I forget.” I was over the moon. Fast forward barely 2 months later you had already found something  for me and here I am all settled in AUSTRALIA  and working in a place I am loving every day. 

My journey here was a success because of you. Thank you again and again.

Happy Eve  (resettled in Melbourne)

 

I have experienced major setbacks with migration advice back in my home country. Indeed costing me both money and time. PTL Global Services are international recruitment specialists, close to the work environment in Australia and well in tune with opportunities.

They provided me with the truth, listened to what I had to say and in fact found me a role in Western Australia and worked in tandem with a very reputable migration agency. 

In the period of 3 months since starting conversations with PTL, I have now received a work visa and look forward to my move to start a new life with a great job that matches my experience.

Skilled tradesman, UK.

Launch your career in a high-demand sector with PTL Global Recruitment. We’ll help you find a perfect role that values your skills and offers excellent growth opportunities. Contact us today to explore your options.

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