The nationwide skill shortage in Australia has made Western Australia’s (WA) potential of “poaching” east coast skilled workers more difficult. A survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) revealed a bidding war has started in the country to secure Australian workers. Over half of businesses across almost every sector reported having suitable candidates decline job offers due to better wage offers elsewhere. “The scarcity of skilled workers emerged as the biggest barrier to growth for WA businesses this year, but the rest of Australia is also experiencing acute demand pressures,” CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell said in a statement. The mining industry is in a contest with other businesses for workers, such as finance, energy, and administration. Over 80 percent of resource businesses reported losing prospective workers due to being outbid. As the heart of Australia’s mining industry, WA resource businesses would typically fill job gaps with …