The chief executive of Victoria’s peak business body has identified six things which the federal government should do to ease worker shortages and give the economy a lift in the short term.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) chief executive, Paul Guerra said it’s critical steps are taken to fill worker shortages.

His top six ideas:

1. Extend visas for current working visa holders who are here and whose visas are about to expire.
2. Accelerate visa approvals and relax the skill list requirement temporarily.
3. Provide a pathway to jobs for international students.
4. Give retired people a way to work that doesn’t impact their superannuation or their pension.
5. Enable people to work a second job without impacting how much tax they pay on their first job.
6. Incentivise employers to keep apprentices on.

Mr Guerra says he will present the plan to the state government ahead of its job summit in early September.

Press PLAY below to hear Paul Guerra’s thoughts on what the economy needs