The Joint Standing Committee on Migration today presented the final report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program.

Media release issue date: Monday, 9 August 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration today presented the final report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said that “Over 500,000 temporary migrants have left Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the lack of skilled migrants coupled with record low unemployment has led to major skill shortages in many sectors of the Australian economy.” “The Government has implemented many of the recommendations the Committee made in Interim report in relation to skills shortages in the economy and their impact on the viability of businesses and their ability to create more jobs for Australians,” Mr Leeser continued. “In this report, the Committee has made recommendations addressing a range of issues including a whole of government approach to address skills shortages, providing clearer pathways to permanency to and enabling the best and brightest international students to come and stay here to help us fill persistent skills shortages.” “The report also recommends a number of measures aimed at cleaning up and streamlining the skilled migration system, including consolidating the skills lists, replacing ANZSCO, providing more concessions for regional visas, improving customer service from Home Affairs and streamlining Labour Market Testing and the Skilling Australia Fund,” said Mr Leeser. A copy of the report and more details about the inquiry are available on the Committee website. Media inquiries Annie Phillips annie.phillips@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Joint Standing Committee on Migration holding public hearing today in Canberra for inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 27 May 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will today hold a public hearing in Canberra for the inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said that ‘At these hearings, the Committee will hear from a range of important stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of the critical role of education and skills development in propelling Australia’s post-pandemic recovery.’ ‘The Committee will also explore attracting global talent in the technology and education sectors,’ Mr Leeser continued. ‘Bringing the best and brightest from around the world is an important facet in ensuring the future skills pipeline provides the workers Australia’s employers need.’ The Committee will hear from organisations including Atlassian, Universities Australia, the South Australian Department of Innovation and Skills, and TAFE Directors Australia, giving insights into the importance of skilled migration in further developing Australia’s technology and education industries. More details on the inquiry are available on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Friday 28 May 2021 Time: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm Location: Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will today hold a public hearing with the National Skills Commission for the inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 12 May 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will today hold a public hearing with the National Skills Commission for the inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said, “The hearing will be a chance to understand in greater depth the role of the National Skills Commissioner in driving Australia’s current, emerging and future workforce skills needs.” “Since the closure of Australia’s borders, the Committee has heard of existing skills shortages across many industries being exacerbated and new shortages emerging.  “It is clear to the Committee that Australia’s skilled migration program can help deliver economic benefits, enhance productivity and create jobs, and the National Skills Commission’s role is integral to this.” More details on the inquiry are available on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Wednesday 12 May 2021 Time: 10.00 am to 11.00 am Location: Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold a series of public hearings in Melbourne, Albury and Shepparton from 21–23 April 2021.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 21 April 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold a series of public hearings in Melbourne, Albury and Shepparton from 21–23 April 2021. The Committee has planned a busy program of public hearings and site inspections to investigate in more depth the challenges facing businesses and organisations who need to find and hire skilled migrants to fill job vacancies. ‘The Committee is looking forward to hearing from groups such as EY and CEDA who have considered this issue in detail, as well as exploring the practical difficulties faced by Australian business owners who have experienced navigating the skilled migration program,’ Mr Leeser said. ‘Businesses such as those the Committee will visit in regional NSW and Victoria have been vocal in their concerns about how hard it can be to fill jobs. Speaking directly to these businesses will give the Committee a valuable perspective on these issues.’ More details on the inquiry and the hearing program are available on the Committee website. Public hearing details Melbourne Date: Wednesday, 21 April 2021 Time: 9.00 am to 3.30 pm Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, Flinders Street, Melbourne Albury Date: Thursday, 22 April 2021 Time: 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm Location: Mantra Albury Hotel, 524 Smollett Street, Albury Shepparton Date: Friday, 23 April 2021 Time: 12.30 pm to 3.00 pm Location: Parklake, 481 Wyndham Street, Shepparton The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold a public hearing in Sydney on Monday 12 April at the NSW Parliament.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 8 April 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold a public hearing in Sydney on Monday 12 April at the NSW Parliament. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said that ‘Following the tabling of the interim report on 18 March 2021, the focus of the Committee will be the remaining terms of reference such as the skills lists, the administrative requirements for Australian businesses and the complexity of Australia’s skilled migration program.’ ‘Australia has always been an attractive destination for migrants and the current challenge is to ensure that we can streamline processes to make it easier for Australian businesses to find and hire the skilled workers they need,’ Mr Leeser continued ‘Hearing from the peak associations as well as their small businesses will assist the Committee in its consideration of the issues at all levels.’ More details on the inquiry and the hearing program are available on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Monday 12 April 2021 Time: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Location: Macquarie Room, NSW Parliament (not open to the public) The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration today presented an interim report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 18 March 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration today presented an interim report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said that “The Committee has heard repeatedly that skilled migrants create Australian jobs. With over 500,000 temporary visa holders leaving Australia during the COVID pandemic, we need to bring back skilled migration, to fill essential gaps and to help create more jobs for Australians.” “Skilled migrants provide much needed skills to fill skills gaps, offering businesses the opportunity to better meet demand and expand, and to pass on their skills to Australians,” Mr Leeser continued. “Australia has always been an attractive destination for migrants. Our excellent response to the health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has made Australia an even more attractive destination. Now is the time to attract highly talented individuals and businesses to Australia.” “The report recommends a number of measures to streamline the system to ensure we can capitalise on the opportunity in front of us,” said Leeser. The interim report makes recommendations focused on assisting in recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inquiry will continue with a wider focus on long term reform of the skilled migration program. Submissions responding to the terms of reference will be accepted until 31 March 2021. A copy of the interim report and more details about the inquiry are available on the Committee website. Media inquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold three days of public hearings between 1 and 3 March.

Media release issue date: Monday, 1 March 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold three days of public hearings between 1 and 3 March. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said that, ‘At these hearings, the Committee will hear from a range of important stakeholders in order to gain a rounded understanding of how Australia’s skilled migration program can better support the post-pandemic recovery.’ ‘The Committee will receive evidence from peak bodies, government departments, unions, professional associations, venture capital firms and small businesses,’ Mr Leeser continued. ‘The Committee is seeking to table an interim report on immediate adjustments to the skilled migration program to support pandemic recovery, and Australia’s attractiveness to entrepreneurs and talented individuals later in March. These hearings will be vital to informing the Committee’s conclusions.’ The Committee is still accepting submissions for this inquiry. Submissions addressing the terms of reference will be accepted until 31 March 2021. More details on the inquiry are available on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Monday 1 March 2021 Time: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm Location: by teleconference Date: Tuesday 2 March 2021 Time: 9.00 am to 12.30 pm Location: by teleconference Date: Wednesday 3 March 2021 Time: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm Location: by teleconference Each hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will today hold a public hearing with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 24 February 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will today hold a public hearing with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said that “Understanding the needs of business will be vital to adjusting Australia’s skilled migration program to meet their needs in a post-COVID world.” “Much has changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of Australia’s international borders, and it is important that the Committee seeks to understand the evolving needs of the business community.”   The Committee is still accepting submissions for this inquiry. Submissions responding to terms of reference 1(a) and 2 will be accepted until 1 March 2021, while submissions addressing the remaining terms of reference will be accepted until 31 March 2021. More details on the inquiry are available on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Wednesday 24 February 2021 Time: 10.00 am to 11.00 am Location: Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will today hold the first public hearing for the inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program, with officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 February 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will today hold the first public hearing for the inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program, with officials from the Department of Home Affairs. Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said that, “The hearing will be a chance to explore whether the current settings in the skilled migration program are serving Australia’s needs as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.” “There are a large range of visas available for skilled migrants to come to Australia and we need to ensure that our skilled migration program is internationally competitive in a post-COVID context.” The Committee is still accepting submissions for this inquiry. Submissions responding to terms of reference 1(a) and 2 will be accepted until 1 March 2021, while submissions addressing the remaining terms of reference will be accepted until 31 March 2021. More details on the inquiry are available on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 17 February 2021 Time: 10:00am to 11:00am Location: Parliament House, Canberra Witnesses: The Department of Home Affairs  The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Annie Phillips 0411 860 078 Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Skilled migrants make a vital contribution to Australia. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 100,000 migrants entered Australia under the skilled migration program each year. These migrants play an important role in filling gaps in the Australian workforce and will continue to do so in future.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Skilled migrants make a vital contribution to Australia. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 100,000 migrants entered Australia under the skilled migration program each year. These migrants play an important role in filling gaps in the Australian workforce and will continue to do so in future. Joint Standing Committee on Migration Chair Julian Leeser MP says the new inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program is an important opportunity to examine the broad settings behind the program. “The COVID-19 pandemic gives us a chance to consider how current skilled migration settings are serving Australia’s needs now and into the future,” Mr Leeser said. “The Committee will consider how we attract entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and highly skilled migrants to make Australia their first choice to invest, establish businesses and create jobs.” “Australia’s excellent health and economic response allows us to attract great entrepreneurs and skilled people looking to relocate. We want them to see Australia as the best place to establish a business with our safe, highly functioning democracy, good health and economic systems and the rule of law.” Mr Leeser said. Mr Leeser is encouraging people to contribute to the process. Submissions responding to terms of reference 1(a) and 2 will be accepted until 1 March 2021, while submissions addressing the remaining terms of reference will be accepted until 31 March 2021. More details on the inquiry are available on the Committee website. The terms of reference for the inquiry are as follows: The Joint Standing Committee on Migration shall inquire into and report on Australia’s skilled migration program, with reference to: The purpose of the skilled migration program and whether it is meeting its intended objectives, including: a) If any immediate adjustments are necessary in the context of the future of work and pandemic recovery; and b) If more long-term structural changes are warranted; Australia’s international competitiveness in attracting entrepreneurs, venture capital, start-ups, and the best and brightest migrants with cutting edge skills; Skills lists and the extent to which they are meeting the needs of industries and businesses and keeping pace with Australia’s job landscape; The administrative requirements for Australian businesses seeking to sponsor skilled migrants, including requirements to prioritise job opportunities for Australians and job creation; The costs of sponsorship to businesses seeking to sponsor skilled migrants; The complexity of Australia’s skilled migration program including the number of visa classes under the program and their requirements, safeguards and pathways; and Any other related matters. Media inquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.