Joint media release with the Hon Andrew Giles MP
The Albanese Labor Government has increased the number of permanent migration visas available in 2022-23 from 160,000 to 195,000 places.
This means there are an extra 35,000 permanent visas to address parts of the Australian economy currently experiencing severe shortages, impacting the everyday lives of Australians.
Within the Skill stream, there will be 34,000 places for Regional visas, an increase of 9,000 places compared to earlier projections.
There will also be a big lift in the number of State and Territory visas – from 11,200 last year to 31,000 places this year to help address critical needs in their jurisdictions.
Based on projections, this could mean thousands more nurses and technology workers settling in the country, this year. This will help to directly meet pressing skills shortages and assist migrants to build their lives in Australia, and invest in their and their families’ futures.
The Government will also provide an additional $36.1m for visa processing, to support a surge capacity of 500 staff over the next nine months.
Our plan allows State and Territory Governments, who best know the needs of their local communities, to be responsive to skills shortages and plan for their future needs.
Shifting our migration system away from a guest worker economy will enable Australia to be competitive in the global race for talent. From software analysts to chefs, Australia will once again be attractive to prospective workers.
The Albanese Labor Government has also announced a comprehensive review of Australia’s migration system to report by the end of February 2023.
This review will outline the objectives of our immigration system and guide future reform- with a focus on Australian productivity, unlocking the potential of all migrants, the need for a streamlined and internationally competitive visa process, and sponsorship opportunities for emerging jobs and industries.
Quotes attributable to Minister O’Neil:
“This is about making the big switch to an immigration program that demonstrates who we are and what we are about.”
“This is a turning point in our history as momentous as the post war ‘populate or perish’ program that was the foundation of our post-war reconstruction, nation building and national security.”
“Our immigration system can be a powerful promoter of Australia’s open, free, prosperous, democratic society around the world, so let’s start giving that system the love and care that it needs.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Giles:
“Since day one, we’ve gotten on with the job of getting our visa system back on track, halving the median time taken to approve new businesses for sponsorship, for example.”
“This new investment in visa processing demonstrates this Government’s commitment to an immigration system that works for both businesses and individuals.”
“The Albanese Government is committed to re-establishing immigration as a nation-building function of Government, in order to realise our full potential as a reconciled nation that harnesses its diversity.”
2022-23 Migration Program Planning Levels
The planning level for the 2022-23 Migration Program had previously been set at 160,000 places. The Albanese Government will increase that number for 2022-23 to 195,000, effective immediately.
Within the overall planning level of 195,000 places:
- 142,400 places will be allocated to the Skill stream;
- 52,500 places will be allocated to the Family stream; and
- 100 places will be available for the Special Eligibility stream.
Further information on Migration Program planning levels are available on the
Home Affairs website.
