鈥淎ustralia is one of the world鈥檚 great multicultural success stories,鈥 黑料老司机 Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.
鈥淲e need a system that acknowledges the benefits of migration to our nation, and that means a system with greater certainty for international workers who complement our homegrown workforce.
鈥淚nternational students have a key role to play, and we welcome the review鈥檚 focus in this area.
鈥淭he current skills crisis highlights the urgent need to retain more of these students, when and where there is a clear need for their skills, to spur productivity and economic growth.
鈥淎ustralia is a leading destination for international students, and yet they remain one of our most underutilised assets.
鈥淲e educate hundreds of thousands of students from 144 countries each year, but only 16 per cent stay on and use their Australian education as an Australian resident.
鈥淥ur current visa system has caused this brain drain, leaving Australia worse off as we battle skill shortages and productivity problems.
鈥淲e need a system that supports Australia鈥檚 interests rather than working against them.
鈥淚nternational students make a significant contribution to our communities and the nation while they study, yet too many are unable to pursue work in their chosen profession after the graduate.
鈥淚f there is a clear need for the skills and knowledge of international graduates, our system should encourage them to stay rather than deterring them.
鈥淯niversities have called for a reset of Australia鈥檚 visa system to ensure we can harness the skills of international graduates in areas of labour market shortage.
鈥淲e congratulate Dr Martin Parkinson, Professor Joanna Howe and Mr John Azarias for their work on the review and are pleased our recommendations have been taken on board.
鈥淲e look forward to engaging with government to bring these solutions to life through the development of Australia鈥檚 new migration strategy.鈥
