Set to be a key issue in the upcoming federal election campaign, business in Australia says a lot more needs to be done to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers

The SAI Global-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) survey of investor confidence released on Tuesday put the availability of suitably qualified staff as number one in the top ten constraints on business investment.

ACCI chief executive Peter Hendy said there were skill shortage problems in every sector across the economy.

This may add to more occupations being listed on both the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) and the Migration Occupations in demand (MODL) lists, providing more openings for skilled workers in other fields to enter Australia on permanent visas.

As the election campaign heats up, both parties will need to address the skills shortage issue, steps may be taken to increase the skilled quota numbers for migrants, as well as helping to fast track applicants.