Immigration: Ongoing initiatives
Regional and Industry Outreach Officer Networks
The Australian Government maintains a Regional Outreach Officer Network, and an Industry Outreach Officer Network. Regional Outreach Officers work closely with state and territory governments and regional authorities to provide regional employers with information on programmes. Industry Outreach Officers work with key industry organisations, such as the National Farmers Federation, to provide regional employers with information on how migration can help fill skill shortages.
'Australia Needs Skills' Expos
The 'Australia Needs Skills' expos commenced in 2005 to connect overseas skilled workers with Australian employers and state and territory governments. These expos promote the Australian Government's skilled migration programme and assist employers to find skilled staff from overseas.
'Australia Needs Skills' expos have been run in Kolkata, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila, London, Manchester, Dublin, Amsterdam, Berlin and Chennai. The expos have been very successful, with good representation by regional employers and will be continued in 2007-08. It is estimated that the Australian Government will provide $1.7 million in 2007-08 to support the 'Australia Needs Skills' Expos.
Christmas Island – New Immigration Detention Centre
In late 2007, the new Christmas Island Detention Centre is scheduled to be handed over to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). With the new Centre, the DIAC infrastructure portfolio on the island will have total asset value of $380 million. There is currently a permanent on-island facility manager, engaged to maintain DIAC facilities. Recruitment for a further three island-based facility management support staff will begin shortly.
In addition, DIAC will shortly undertake an expression of interest for outsourced maintenance services with a focus on island based small business enterprises delivering these services. It is anticipated the maintenance arrangements, when tendered, will provide for potential traineeships and skill transfer for island residents.