Hello Laura
Welcome to Poms in Oz.
I think the chances of Hubby being able to get a sponsored visa are virtually nil. The problem seems to be that in Australia the ASCO Code recognises a "Heavy Vehicle Driver" in Group 7 (so an RSMS visa is theoretically ppossible) but the only other possible categoey is a "Truck Driver's Offsider" which is in ASCO Group 9 and is therefore right out in terms of a visa for the driver.
When the Aussies speak of a "Heavy Vehicle" they mean an inter-state road train. These can have 3 trailers and some of them are 150 metres in length. Similarly the "dumper trucks" used in the mines in Australia have wheels that are 7' in diamete and the truck itself (unloaded) is heavier than a jumbo jet apparently.
Consequently British HGV drivers just get lumped in with Truck Driver's Offsiders because they have not got the licences for the really huge road trains and no experience of driving them either.
Which leaves you. You might not have any formal qualifications, but it might be possible to get you a positive skills assessment, in which case a skilled independent visa might also be possible for you. If so, you would not need a sponsor.
I would suggest that you have a word with ACTS/Trade Train. Their UK website is here:
ACTS Australia | Welcome to Trade Train
Don't take any notice of the icons. They are able to do do workplace assessments for Chefs and I think I've read that they can cover most aspects of the hospitality industry.
Best wishes
Gill
