A more targeted and simpler migration system will help South Australia attract top global talent

The South Australian Business Chamber welcomes the Review of the Migration System Final Report findings which informed the Federal Government’s newly-released strategic document: A Migration System for a More Prosperous and Secure Australia. The South Australian Business Chamber lodged a submission to the review late last year outlining that the South Australian business needs a responsive and fit for purpose system, with the current system failing the business sector in multiple areas. 

As outlined in our submission, the review found that the current system is not fit for purpose, does little to attract highly skilled people to Australia and presents a convoluted pathway for temporary migrants to stay in Australia permanently. When migrants arrive, they are often confronted with significant hurdles to have their skills recognised in Australia. The review acknowledged this and its impact on migrants not reaching their potential in the labour market. 

The South Australian Business Chamber is pleased the review agreed with our view that international competition for highly skilled migrants is paramount, and Australia’s migration program must address this to maximise economic outcomes and future prosperity. South Australia needs access to highly skilled talent, both homegrown and from overseas. Building nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS agreement and leading the energy transition in the nation will require new capacity and capabilities in our workforce. 

The staffing needs of business in Australia are changing. Geopolitical tensions have seen a renewed focus on sovereign capability and security. Technological advancements are moving at a rapid rate. The migration system must reflect these changes and provide options to employers to attract overseas talent or make it easier to keep temporary workers in Australia permanently. 

The South Australian Business Chamber members name skills and labour shortages as a main constraint to growth. The most recent the South Australian Business Chamber William Buck Survey of Business Expectations showed that 55% of respondents are still experiencing labour shortages. While migration alone is not the panacea, it is a key part of the solution. 

Attributable quotes

Andrew Kay, the South Australian Business Chamber CEO: 

• “For too long, incremental changes have been adopted leading to a system based on outdated assumptions while trying to address contemporary needs. A targeted and responsive approach to migration is essential.”

• “South Australia needs the most talented and highly-skilled migrants to help us deliver on green energy transition and AUKUS. We are in a global competition for this talent, so a migration system that reduces complexity and offers security is critical.

• “We are particularly interested to see how a tripartite approach through Jobs and Skills Australia and the Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration will work to address business needs and remain contemporary and responsive into the future.”

Kendall Crowe, the South Australian Business Chamber General Manager, Policy, Advocacy International Services: 

• “The South Australian Business Chamber members tell us that recruiting from overseas is not a viable option – it’s expensive, cumbersome and time-consuming. We are glad the review has called out this complexity and has recommended an overhaul of the system.”
• “The South Australian Business Chamber often hears from employers that the migration system is a closed shop – and it’s virtually impossible to find out what’s happening with a visa being processed. We are pleased to see the review has identified this issue and recommended improved transparency so that users understand how their application is handled and why and how decisions are made.”

MEDIA CONTACT

Clayton Wehner
General Manager Marketing & Communications
0438925613
clayton.​wehner@​business-​sa.​com