In February 2021, the Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, referred this inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration.

The terms of reference included consideration of both short-term and long-term matters relating to skilled migration in Australia. The Committee decided to produce an interim report on the short-term considerations relating to Australia’s skilled migration program.

This interim report focuses on the following terms of reference:

• The purpose of the skilled migration program and whether it is meeting its intended objectives, including if any immediate adjustments are necessary in the context of the future of work and pandemic recovery; and
• Australia’s international competitiveness in attracting entrepreneurs, venture capital, start-ups, and the best and brightest migrants with cutting edge skills.