With more people back on the move to Australia, we explore what attracts staff from the Transport and Logistics sector to cross the ditch.

In June 2010 net immigration into New Zealand was just 70 people, and once again people heading off to Australia is on the move. The net migration to Australia, or the difference between long-term arrives and departures, over the last year has been 15,900 with 1,800 more people leaving for Australia than arrived in June.

Prior to the recession, Agoge saw a significant number of people moving to Australia to find better paying jobs. Even in 2006 census data showed a growing gap in the Transport and Logistics industry between New Zealand and Australia, and the recession (and lack of one in Australia) indicatively is further increasing the gap.

• Industry Size: The comparative size of the industries is very similar. People working in Transport and Logistics represented 3.18% of the workforce compared with 3.06% of the workforce in New Zealand.
• Minimum wages: In New Zealand dollars 15% of people working in Transport and Logistics in Australia earn under $25,000 per year, compared with 26% in New Zealand. This is a key indicator that the Australia industry is better paid.
• High Earners: Again in New Zealand dollars, 24% of people working in Transport and Logistics in New Zealand earn over $50,000 per year, compared with 44% in Australia.

From these numbers alone, without considering the lower unemployment rate in Australia at present, it is easy to see why people are crossing the ditch.

As our economy starts to recover, all of the previous skills shortages that existed prior to the recession will return, and our industry needs to start creatively thinking about a solution.