Report on Effectiveness of the Temporary Skilled Visa System

The Government-commissioned report on the Effectiveness of the Current Temporary Visa System was released in April 2019. The report makes a number of recommendations to Government for improvement of the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) system, including the following:

• increase the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to a minimum of at least $62,000, indexed  annually in line with the average full-time wage;
• prioritise the ABS’ review of ANZSCO;
• publish the reasons for changes to the Skilled Occupations Lists;
• introduce more stringent evidentiary requirements for labour market testing;
• not enter into any future trade agreements that would involve labour market testing waivers;
• better fund TAFE and vocational education sectors;
• guarantee funding for training of apprentices, if funding not met by Skilling Australians Fund levies; and
• review the use and effectiveness of Labour Agreements, and make publicly available the reasons for entering into (or renewing) Labour Agreements.

The report also recommends ongoing support and increased resourcing of compliance activities, as well as the establishment of an independent tripartite body to advise on skilled migration issues.
Ajuria Lawyers will monitor the Government’s response to this report, whether there is a change of Government or not. Many of the recommendations mirror the policies outlined by the Labor Party (see separate newsletter article).
To view the full report of the Legal & Constitutional Affairs References Committee, please click here.

DISCLAIMER This information is current as of 17 April 2019 and subject to change. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It should not be used as legal advice. To the extent permissible by law, Ajuria Lawyers and its associated entities shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such information. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.