ACCI’s key proposals include expanding the skilled migration intake, offering temporary migrants a pathway to permanent residency and halving the levy employers pay to recruit foreign workers to deliver a sustainable increase to in-demand workers.

“The upcoming overhaul of skilled migration rules must deliver greater flexibility for businesses that need access to in-demand workers,” ACCI head of trade and international affairs Chris Barnes said.

“Australia has thrived because we have attracted some of the most talented people to our shores. However, our immigration system today falls short of meeting the needs of our economy, our businesses, and our workers.”

Mr Barnes noted that in the global competition for workers, it was essential we make Australia attractive by offering the incentives of permanent residency.

“A pathway to permanency for all temporary skilled migrants means Australia can be the destination of choice for the world’s best talent. Business isn’t the only beneficiary here. It allows migrants to come here, settle, raise families, and contribute to their local community.”

ACCI has also advocated for halving the levy businesses pay to bring in a foreign worker and tying proceeds to training the local workforce.

“In an ideal world, there would be enough suitably trained Australian residents. Right now, with such a crippling skills shortage, the levy is simply a tax on workers.

“Business is happy to do its share in contributing to the cost of training Australians, but we need workers now. Imposing a levy of up to $7,200 on businesses will only make it harder to fill the job vacancies holding back our economy.”

Victorian Chamber advocacy

ACCI’s submission backs the Victorian Chamber’s calls for reforms to support Victoria’s major industries to address labour shortages and increase access to competitive international skilled labour.

In recent Federal Budget and employment White Paper submissions, the Victorian Chamber’s key recommendations have included:

• Increase the permanent migration intake, including a significant increase in the cap for skilled migration to 200,000 for the next two years at least, to replenish the skills lost during the pandemic.
• Remove migration barriers and inefficiencies, including removing labour market testing for skill occupations to speed up processing times and increase productivity.
• Allow more flexibility in the visa conditions for migrant workers, so they can work in other areas of need when there is a pressing demand
• Recognise more foreign qualifications, work experience and training of migrant workers, particularly in areas with critical skills shortages
• Reward international workers who have worked in Australia on employee sponsored and priority migration skilled occupation visas to have direct pathways to permanent residency
• Change post-study visa duration for international students from between two to four years to a minimum of four years to encourage industry to invest in international talent.

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra said: “Meeting the skills and labour needs of businesses is essential for thriving communities. Businesses provide essential goods, services and employment; as well as vital opportunities for people to develop, upskill, and connect to society.”

Assistance for business

The Victorian Chamber offers tailored consulting services for businesses needing direct assistance with immigration and visa matters.

To assist businesses with recruitment, the Victorian Chamber can help:

• Determine your organisation’s eligibility to sponsor overseas skilled workers
• Ensure both you and your potential employees understand the legal obligations
• Prepare documents and lodge nomination and visa applications
• Monitor the entire application process
• Liaise with, and respond to immigration authorities
• Keep up to date with immigration changes
• Understand legislation, policies, and procedures and how to deal with other relevant migration and visa issues.

For more information, please contact our registered migration agent, Eddie Zhao, on 03 8662 5234 or email ezhao@victorianchamber.com.au