Migration review release

This review is a critical milestone in revitalising Australia’s migration system so that it is fit for purpose in coming decades, CEDA chief economist Jarrod Ball said.

“The migration review has nailed the problems with the current system and the changes required to unscramble Australia’s migration mess. Too many ad-hoc reviews and changes without a coherent strategy have caused the mess we have today.

“To get the most out of this review and position the migration system for the future, the Albanese Government should adopt these recommendations as a priority:

• Ending gridlock in the temporary skilled migration system through a three-tier risk-based approach, including a fast-track for high paid, highly-skilled intra-company transfers.
• Realising the full potential of permanent skilled migrants, many of whom currently perform jobs well below their skill level, through reviewing the points-based system and the Newly Arrived Resident Waiting Period for welfare payments.
• Giving business, migrants and governments greater certainty over future migration flows by applying a more sophisticated longer-term approach to determining Australia’s migration intake, beyond the current annual permanent migration cap in the Federal Budget.
• Addressing chronic workforce shortages in aged care through the potential for specific industry-based migration arrangements in areas of critical need. 
• Avoiding the revolving door of ad-hoc reviews and policy change in skilled migration in future through a “tripartite” approach underpinned by robust analysis of skills shortages by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), along with regular evaluation of the system’s performance.

“But we can’t wait any longer to fix the system. We must make pragmatic short-term improvements now, while the draft strategy is finalised.

“It is encouraging to see the government’s draft strategy already outlines its intent to pursue a new three-tier risk-based temporary skilled migration system, underpinned by a tripartite approach. 

“The increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold to $70,000 and permanent pathways for Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visas announced today are sensible changes that can be pursued immediately.

“CEDA applauds the Government’s plan to take genuine consultation on the draft strategy. This will bolster community confidence that our migration system can get the best outcomes for all Australians.”