RDA Great Southern (GS) conducted a Workforce Needs Assessment Survey in late 2025. A previous assessment was conducted in 2023, so the impetus was to gain current insights from employers. The 2025 Survey received favourable uptake, driven by direct engagement with regional employers and advertising.

The 2025 Survey confirms that workforce shortages remain a significant constraint for employers. A combined 91% of respondents confirmed they are either experiencing worker shortages now, or expect to experience them soon, with shortages affecting business continuity, growth, service delivery and employer wellbeing. The findings also show that workforce attraction and retention are closely linked to housing availability, skills supply, migration pathways, training access and the broader liveability of regional communities.

Industry and Occupation Insights:

Employers reported difficulty recruiting across technical trades, agriculture, hospitality, accommodation, construction, health, education, transport, automotive and professional roles. The breadth of occupations in demand indicates that the issue is not isolated to one industry but reflects a whole-of-region workforce constraint.

Business Impacts:

The findings show that workforce shortages are creating practical and financial pressure for employers. Businesses are relying on less qualified applicants, internal training and apprenticeships, while also increasing advertising and using recruitment platforms. Some employers are providing accommodation or cost-of-living benefits to improve attraction and retention. However, a concerning proportion of businesses are responding by scaling down, delaying projects or reducing services, which may limit regional economic growth and community service capacity.

Migration and Training Findings:

Skilled migration was a relevant workforce tool for 50% of the surveyed employers, particularly through the WA Designated Area Migration Agreement and employer-sponsored visa pathways. However, respondents reported that existing visa programs are too expensive (60%); too complicated for small enterprises (52%); and too slow to meet business needs (45%). Training is also a critical part of the response, with employers relying heavily on on-the-job training, short courses, apprenticeships and partnerships with education and training providers.

Strategic Implications:

The survey provides an evidence base for RDA GS’s ongoing advocacy on workforce development, housing, skilled migration, training pathways and regional liveability. The results have already informed national and state workforce processes, including occupation shortage evidence and advocacy for relevant occupations to be recognised through migration settings. Continued evidence gathering will strengthen the region’s ability to engage with government and industry on practical workforce solutions.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Workforce Needs Survey shows that workforce shortages remain a significant and persistent challenge for the Great Southern. The findings point to the need for an integrated regional response that addresses housing, training, migration, liveability and employer support. The survey also reinforces the value of RDA GS’s evidence-led role in advocating for practical workforce solutions that support regional business sustainability and growth.

RDA GS was pleased to share survey results and key findings with relevant stakeholders including the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development; the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs; Great Southern Development Commission; South Regional TAFE; Jobs and Skills Australia, and regional training and employment organisations.