Mining companies in Queensland's North West Minerals Province are struggling to find workers as drilling ramps up and new jobs open. AIC Mines chairman Aaron Colleran said hiring has been difficult everywhere, including at its Eloise copper mine near Cloncurry. The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association estimates the industry will need 24,000 new workers across the country by 2027. Queensland Resources Council figures point to competing skill needs and fewer young people entering trades and mining careers. Industry leaders say apprenticeships must grow to ease the shortage.
Experts say gaps in Australia's health system may be linked to recent violent incidents. Health economist Luke Slawomirski says earlier and more consistent mental health care could prevent some crises. Internal NSW government documents revealed a shortfall of nearly $600 million for public mental health services. Australian Medical Association vice president Julian Rait says many medical graduates cannot find training positions, worsening shortages in rural and regional areas. Research by Redbridge found that healthcare is among the top concerns for One Nation voters, who are gaining support.
Aged care providers and the Committee for Economic Development of Australia want a dedicated essential skills visa for care workers. They say overseas workers are central to the sector as the population ages. Ageing Australia says 51 per cent of the residential aged care workforce was born overseas. A regional Orange centre reports that 104 of its 179 staff are from Nepal. Major parties have proposed competing cuts to net overseas migration, and the Coalition says aged care would remain a priority workforce.
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A Lowy Institute report, released on Monday, argues Papua New Guinea could learn from Australia in tackling a looming teacher shortage. It estimates the country will need up to 124,000 teachers by 2033, while local training institutions can accredit only about 2,200 people annually. Author Serena Sasingian, a former senior PNG government and non-profit figure, said the nation spent over $1.5 billion on education in its latest budget without addressing staffing. She recommended a 10-year plan and steps to make teaching attractive to high-performing graduates.
A new UNSW Canberra study led by Dr Catherine Deen says workplace culture, safety concerns and inflexible working conditions limit women from joining Australia's truck driver workforce. Women make up just 6% of truck drivers and 4% of heavy vehicle drivers. The research, based on a national survey of more than 480 drivers, found that 70% of respondents believed female drivers were likely to face sexual harassment. The researchers recommend national workforce targets for women, better licensing access and stronger safety reporting. They warn that recruitment without retention is a revolving door.
