Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson welcomed the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration’s ‘Inquiry into Australia’s Skilled Migration Program’ which was handed down on Monday.
“We welcome the report and thank the Committee for hearing and acting on UA’s suggested reforms,” Ms Jackson said.
“We support the aim of simplifying the system, boosting incentives for the best and brightest to stay in Australia, as well as exempting universities from the Skilling Australia Fund Levy.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, half a million temporary migrants have had little choice but to leave Australia, contributing to significant skill shortages across the country.
“We are particularly pleased to see extra incentives for very high-quality students to remain here. These are exactly the kind of highly skilled, bright students who will make a big contribution to Australian life and productivity.”
Some of the recommendations include:
- Develop a new occupation or skills identification system for the skilled migration program in consultation with industry to replace the Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
- Consolidate the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short Term Skilled Occupation (STSOL) into one list: the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Introduce flexibility into labour market testing
- Consider changes to post-study work arrangements for graduates who demonstrate study excellence and employer-supported pathways into an occupation with a persistent skills shortage relevant to their field of study
- Exempt universities from the Skilling Australia Fund Levy.
The final report is available on the Committee website.
