As Australia’s national conversation around migration becomes increasingly polarised, The Employee Mobility Institute (TEMi) is calling for greater balance, perspective and evidence in discussions that will shape Australia’s future workforce.
In its role as Australia’s independent industry body for employee mobility, international workforce management and global talent, TEMi represents employers and professionals responsible for helping Australian organisations attract, relocate, support and retain overseas talent. Every day, TEMi’s members experience first-hand the contribution that foreign nationals make to Australian businesses, industries and communities.
Speaking on behalf of TEMi’s Immigration Advisory Group, Mr Jamie Lingham said, “Foreign nationals are not simply filling occupations deemed ‘critical’, they are working across thousands of roles that keep businesses operating, projects moving, services running and Australia’s economy growing.”
“From healthcare, construction and agriculture to manufacturing, hospitality, logistics, technology, education and professional services, overseas workers are an integral part of modern Australian workplaces.”
“If Australia is serious about building the workforce capability required to support economic growth, skilled and employer-sponsored migration must also be treated as a strategic priority.”
Mr Lingham said that migration should be viewed as just one component of a broader national workforce strategy.
“Migration is only one part of Australia’s workforce equation. Investment in education, apprenticeships, workforce participation, productivity and skills development must remain central to Australia’s long-term strategy. A well-managed migration program complements investment in Australian workers and local skills; it does not replace it.”
TEMi’s recent national employer survey reflects what employers have consistently reported over many years. More than three-quarters recruit internationally because they cannot source the required skills locally, while almost nine in ten say overseas workers are important or essential to maintaining business operations.
Mr Lingham said Australia deserves a balanced conversation that recognises both the challenges and the opportunities presented by migration.
“Australians are right to expect that migration is well-planned, that infrastructure keeps pace with population growth, and that the program settings of the system allow it to operate with integrity. These are legitimate issues and they deserve thoughtful discussion, but when the conversation becomes dominated by one perspective, we risk overlooking the people behind the headlines and the contribution they make every day. Let us also not forget that we are a predominately a country of migrants, with 32% of Australians born overseas.”
“We can support Australian workers, invest in local skills, maintain a migration system with integrity and continue to welcome talented people who contribute to our economy and communities. These are not competing ideas, rather they are the foundations of a confident, successful and outward-looking Australia.”
Mr Lingham said TEMi was not entering a political debate about migration levels.
“Our role is not to argue for more migration or less migration. Our role is to educate and provide awareness that will ensure that Australia’s immigration conversation has a balanced voice that reflects the experience of a critical group of stakeholders who are employers and workforce professionals.”
A recent member survey undertaken by TEMi found that almost 97% of employers expect their reliance on employer-sponsored migration to remain steady or increase over the next two to three years.
“The data reflects long-term workforce requirements, rather than a preference for overseas recruitment. Organisations are responding to demographic change, persistent skill gaps and increasing global competition for talent. Australia’s migration settings must recognise these workforce realities if the country is to build and sustain the capability required for future economic growth,” Mr Lingham said.
“TEMi members don’t see statistics – they see colleagues, teammates, mentors, innovators and hardworking people who have chosen Australia because they want to contribute,” Mr Lingham added.
Like many OECD nations, Australia faces an aging population, historically low birth rates and ongoing skills shortages. At the same time, employers continue to report difficulties sourcing talent, while the average completion rate for university degrees is just 62%.
“The decisions Australia makes today will influence workforce capability and economic competitiveness for decades to come,” Mr Lingham said.
References:
The average age of Australians is 38.5 years according to worldometers
There are 1.42 births for every two people in Australia according to population.gov.au
Drop-out rates for trade apprentices are approximately 48.7% according to National Centre for Vocational Education Research
ABOUT JAMIE LINGHAM
Jamie Lingham, the CEO of Absolute Immigration Group, which includes Absolute Immigration Australia, Absolute Immigration Legal, and Absolute Immigration New Zealand, has been appointed as TEMi Immigration Liaison Officer.
Active in the industry since 2001, Jamie takes a holistic approach to the overseas immigration and relocation process, specifically looking at ways to educate clients in order to reduce issues faced by business sponsors and visa applicants moving to Australia and other destinations. He has extensive experience developing immigration policies, compliance and strategies for the attraction and retention of overseas workers. He has undertaken significant compliance projects for state government departments, multinational organisations and ASX-listed companies in both Australia and New Zealand.
