Once-In-A-Generation-Reform Of The Migration System Begins
Minister for Home Affairs, Claire O’Neil announced significant changes to the migration program following the release of the Parkinson Report on 27 April.
In an address to the National Press Club (NPC) attended by SHGM Director of Migration Services Simon De Vere, Minister O’Neil introduced a raft of new measures by stating that “Australia is a great country with a broken migration system, just imagine what we will be able to achieve when we get this powerful engine working again”
Changes announced yesterday include:
A new migration strategy for Australia (developed over the next 6-12 months).
An increase in the Temporary Skilled Migrant Income Threshold (TSMIT) to $70,000pa from 01 July 2023 (from the current rate of $53,900pa).
A new pathway to Permanent Residence for ALL temporary skilled visa holders by the end of 2023.
A new “three stream” program for temporary skilled workers as follows;
fast, simple route for specialised, highly skilled workers.
“mainstream temporary skilled pathway” to bring in the core skills we need.
skilled staff in “essential industries”
A complete overhaul of the current Skilled Occupation Lists (which the Parkinson Review was particularly critical of) with an enhanced role for Jobs & Skills Australia in determining where the skills shortages are.
An overhaul of the skilled migration points test to better target highly skilled migrants.
A renewed focus on stamping out the exploitation of temporary workers.
A tightening of the entry requirements for international student programs; and
A reduction in the overall number of visa categories.
We expect more detail and further announcements in the Federal Budget on 9 May and will provide updates as things progress.
If you have any further questions regarding the planned changes, please feel free to contact the Migration Services team at SHGM at any time.