The Australian Government yesterday announced a number of important changes to the Australian immigration program.

In a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra, the Minister for Home Affairs & Minister of Cyber Security, The Hon Clair O’Neil MP outlined the Government’s intention to create a new migration system for Australian’s future. The message from the Minister was ‘If population or perish described Australia’s challenge in the 1950’s, skill up or sink is the reality we face in the 2020’s and beyond.’

The following is a brief summary of the main points covered by the Minister and noting no legislation has been released.

Now

• Government published the final report of the ‘Review of the Migration System’ and its ‘Outline for A Migration System for a More Prosperous and Secure Australia’. Together more than 200 pages.

Starting on 1 July 2023

• Increase on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to AU$70,000. This will affect visas lodged after 1 July 2023 and not current visa holders although we are yet to see legislation.
• Citizenship pathway for New Zealand citizens in Australia.

Starting end of 2023

• Permanent Pathway for 2-year TSS visa holders. Details are yet to be released.

Future changes

• Make it simpler – less visa classes, less complexity – draft plans includes the following employer sponsored pathways:
  • Fast pathway – simple route for specialised, highly skilled workers – ‘we need to drive innovation in our economy, and to help us build the jobs of the future’
  • Standard pathway – above TSMIT (AU$70,000) – to bring in the core skills we need. ’For this stream, we would focus on proper, evidence-based assessments of skills needs, rather than the current outdated approaches that everyone agrees are not working’
  • Essential industries – tripartite input Jobs & Skills Australia, employers and unions.
• Make it faster – more resources for Home Affairs.
• Create more pathways to PR and less ‘temporary only’ visas.
• Increase compliance & integrity.
• Redesign the student program and how that feeds into skilled migration – faster simpler pathways but with integrity ensuring that students genuinely study.
• Improve skills recognition.

We will be following announcements of further changes closely and will be in touch with clients impacted. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to your Ajuria adviser.