Qantas’ announcement of new direct flights from Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg, launching in December 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Western Australia. While these routes will certainly expand travel choices for tourists, their true impact will be felt in the mining and infrastructure sectors, where they promise to attract global talent and fuel the state’s ongoing economic surge.
Western Australia’s resources sector is experiencing historic growth, now accounting for nearly 45% of the state’s Gross State Product. Employment in the sector reached record highs in 2023-24, with over 134,000 full-time equivalent positions. Iron ore, gold, lithium and nickel drive this demand, but the boom has also created a significant skills shortage across the industry.
High-demand roles include mining engineers, geologists, metallurgists, diesel mechanics, electricians, and heavy equipment operators. With local talent stretched thin, Western Australia is increasingly reliant on attracting skilled professionals from overseas to sustain its momentum.
South Africa and New Zealand are two of the most important sources of skilled migration to Western Australia’s mining and construction industries.
South African Mining Professionals in WA
South Africans are the fourth largest overseas-born group in Western Australia, with nearly 45,000 residents. Many bring deep mining expertise from one of the world’s most established mining nations. In 2023-24 alone, over 4,600 permanent migration places were granted to South Africans, the vast majority in skilled categories. This reflects the high value placed on South African professionals in mining and engineering.
New Zealanders in WA’s Workforce
New Zealand is the second largest birthplace for overseas-born residents in WA, with more than 75,000 New Zealanders living in the state. Thanks to special migration agreements, New Zealanders have long contributed to WA’s mining and construction sectors, supported by strong professional and community networks.
Thousands of professionals from both countries have already made the move to Perth, drawn by rewarding careers, a high quality of life, and the promise of new opportunities.
For mining professionals, ease of travel is a key factor in choosing where to live and work. The new direct Qantas flights will dramatically reduce travel times between Perth, Johannesburg and Auckland. This will:
For families, the ability to travel home quickly and conveniently removes a major barrier to relocation, making Perth a more appealing long-term option.
Western Australia’s population is booming, growing by 3.1% in the year to March 2024-the fastest rate of any Australian state or territory. This surge is driven primarily by overseas migration, which accounted for nearly three-quarters of the increase. Positive net interstate migration has also contributed, as professionals from across Australia move to Perth in search of opportunity.
This population growth is both a result of and a contributor to the mining and infrastructure boom, creating a virtuous cycle of investment, job creation, and economic expansion.
The benefits of Western Australia’s mining and infrastructure boom extend far beyond those who work directly in the sector. Major government investments-over $2.3 billion in land transport infrastructure alone-are transforming the state, supporting projects like METRONET, regional road safety upgrades, and port developments.
The resources sector’s direct spending reached $150 billion in 2023-24, with almost $90 billion flowing into the WA economy. This supports nearly one in three jobs across the state, and the sector’s tax and royalty contributions fund essential public services, from healthcare to education and policing.
As global talent continues to flow into Perth, commercial development, housing construction, and social infrastructure all flourish. New schools, hospitals, and community projects are rising to meet the needs of a growing, diverse population.
The new Qantas direct flights to Auckland and Johannesburg are more than just convenient travel options-they are strategic assets for Western Australia. By connecting Perth directly to two key sources of mining expertise, these routes will help the state attract and retain the world-class professionals needed to sustain its resources boom.
For mining specialists in South Africa and New Zealand, Perth now offers not only world-leading career opportunities but also easy, direct access to home. For employers, these connections strengthen Western Australia’s position as a global hub for mining innovation and expertise.
As Western Australia’s mining and infrastructure sectors continue their remarkable expansion, enhanced international connectivity will ensure the state remains at the forefront of global industry. The benefits will ripple throughout the community, creating prosperity, opportunity, and a brighter future for all.
For skilled professionals and forward-thinking employers alike, there’s never been a better time to look to Perth. With the world now just a direct flight away, Western Australia is ready to welcome the next generation of global talent.