Ahead of the federal government’s Jobs and Skills Summit, CEDA is calling for immediate reforms to the migration system. This discussion paper outlines proposed improvements to the skilled migration system in the immediate term, complemented by substantial reform in the longer term.

The paper asserts that there are three critical directions that should define the longer-term architecture of the migration system.

1. Needs defined by skills not occupations
2. Expand and streamline pathways to permanency
3. Systematic review and transparency

The Jobs and Skills Summit provides an important opportunity to reset the direction of Australia’s migration system after a once in a century pandemic brought migration to a standstill. With the right settings, migration can continue to underpin Australia’s long-term prosperity, building human capital and supporting economic growth out of the pandemic.