Push for new three-year working visa

19 Aug 2011, 7:30 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said she put the issue on the agenda at the COAG meeting in Canberra. (AAP)

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said she put the issue on the agenda at the COAG meeting in Canberra. (AAP)

The states and territories want a new three-year working visa for international graduates in areas of skill shortage.

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The states and territories want a new three-year working visa for international graduates in areas of skill shortage.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said she put the issue on the agenda at Friday's Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Canberra and was successful in getting the support from the states and territories.

Ms Bligh said the move would help to stop the decline in international student numbers and would also prepare the nation for the next mining boom.

"Australia is on the cusp of a resources boom and we are facing a looming skills crisis," Ms Bligh said in a statement.

"We shouldn't be discouraging young, enthusiastic workers who are keen to fill these roles."

The resources sector alone is expected to generate 38,000 jobs in the next few years, Ms Bligh said. Meanwhile, the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) welcomed the initiative.

Chief executive Claire Field said international education is one of Australia's great export success stories but it is under threat because the student visa system is out of step with the rest of the world.

"A thriving, effective, international education sector, with close links to industry and supported by a student visa system that is efficient and effective, is one of the best assets our nation has to address the challenge of skills shortages that threaten many industries," Ms Field said in a statement.

The international education and training sector is Queensland's third-largest export earner, directly and indirectly employing more than 17,000 in the state.

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