New analysis shows tradies must be prioritised in skilled migration system

1 August 2026

New skilled migration analysis released today by Master Builders Australia reiterates that tradies must be given greater priority, especially during a housing crisis.

The analysis finds that each skilled migrant working in residential construction over a 30-year career can contribute to the building of 21 detached homes. This contribution is equivalent to around $1.9 million in economic activity, measured as Gross Value Added (GVA), to the Australian economy.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the data demonstrates why building and construction must be prioritised within the skilled migration system.

“Not only should builders be prioritised, but the entire skilled migration system also needs to be fixed because, at the moment, it is expensive, slow and ineffective, and does not deliver what the community expects. Around 18,400 permanent migrants currently in Australia hold building and construction qualifications but are working below their skill level due to these barriers.

These figures look at what the potential is for a migrant working in residential construction; however, the peak body also urges prioritisation of all construction, including civil and non-residential.

“We must also recognise that housing cannot be delivered without the civil and enabling infrastructure that makes development possible. That means ensuring we have the skilled workforce needed to deliver those projects as well,” said Ms Wawn.

“At a time when we need to deliver more and more construction, our workforce shortages remain enormous. Current estimates indicate we will need an additional 116,000 residential construction workers and 300,000 infrastructure workers over the coming years.

“We need to pull all the levers, including encouraging more Australians to complete apprenticeships and pursue careers in the trades, while also improving the migration system so it brings in trade-qualified workers who are ready to contribute from day one.

“The Government should reduce or remove migration-related levies for small businesses, improve skills recognition and create dedicated construction migration pathways, as has been done internationally.

“Migrant tradies ultimately contribute to far more homes than they consume, especially when they reside here over the long term,” Ms Wawn said.

Media contact: Dylan Hafey, Adviser, Media & Government Relations

0497 330 064 | dylan.hafey@masterbuilders.com.au