The issue of skills shortages in South East NSW affects business activity, consumer costs and other important community factors, such as health and education services. A review of the most recent literature on skill shortages in Australia may help to refine the nature and extent of the problem, and to focus on responses. In turn, this may help Regional Development Australia Southern Inland (RDASI), neighbouring RDA committees and SEROC make a valuable contribution to overcoming skill shortages in their regions.