Research by the Federal Treasury and Department of Home Affairs has confirmed a targeted skilled migration program is making a valuable contribution to the Central West’s economy.

The research cites both the International Monetary Fund and Productivity Commission, pointing to gains in GDP from Australia’s current immigration program.

According to the Western NSW Business Chamber’s regional manager Vicki Seccombe, migrants are filling vital skills shortfalls that are “essential to our business sector”.

“Across Western NSW, businesses are struggling to fill key positions, and while there can be no doubt that we need to do more to train a greater number of our young people, Australia’s skilled migration program provides essential support that has kept many businesses afloat,” Ms Seccombe said.

“Hospitality, construction, agriculture and businesses in the Central West rely strongly on skilled migration programs, and uncertainty around these programs, changing caps and regulatory arrangements have hurt these businesses and cause confusion.

“In view of severe skill shortages, we must do more to train the more than 300,000 unemployed young Australians whilst, at the same time, maintain a strong skilled immigration program that provides support for specific sectors and our regions.

A 2017 workforce skills survey found that more than 50 per cent of employers are experiencing skills shortages, with 85 per cent of respondents expressing concerns about the potential impact of skill shortages on their business.

“Skilled migration is not only important to counter-balance our ageing population, but it is essential in addressing current challenges in our economy,” Ms Seccombe said.

“We should be focused on the facts and leverage the best of what can be achieved from a targeted skilled migration program.”