Brian Pittock

MEDIA RELEASE SENATOR JACINTA NAMPIJINPA PRICE SKILLS SHORTAGES PERSIST UNDER LABOR Data from Jobs and Skills Australia's 2026 Occupation Shortage List has revealed 279 occupations remain in national shortage. Persistent shortages continue to disproportionally affect technicians and trades workers, as well as professional occupations including health, education, engineering and science. Shadow Minister for Skills and Training and Shadow Minister for Small Business, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, has criticised the Albanese Labor Government's response to the issue. “Skilled workers keep our country moving, but with a shortage of this magnitude, industries and small businesses cannot grow or operate.” “The lack of action from this Albanese Labor Government shows they do not take this issue seriously.” “When you look at the data, it shows that this Labor Government is not delivering the skilled workers our economy needs.” “At a time when we need more skilled workers, the Albanese Labor Government has decided to reduce the Key Apprenticeship Program employer incentive to a maximum of $4,000 for SMEs, and remove it altogether for larger businesses, giving employers less financial support to take on and train an apprentice. This is absurd.” “Australia’s skills shortage, especially among trades, faces further pressure from the rollout of mega AI data centres across Australia. If the Albanese Labor Government does not act now to grow our skilled workforce, these competing demands will put even greater pressure on Australian industries and small businesses.” 6 November, 2026