This report seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the main facets of the migration system and to make recommendations in-line with the evidence gathered over the course of the inquiry that complement the Government’s reform agenda. It makes 73 recommendations, covering much of the operations and functions of the migration system and the wider cultural setting and administrative framework upon which it is based. 

The Committee asserts that the recommendations, if acted upon, will aid Australia in attracting and retaining the highest-calibre migrant workers, improve application processes and reduce costs for Australian businesses and migrants alike, improve settlement outcomes and foster social cohesion, and position the country for future prosperity with migration as a central policy lever for our nation building endeavours.

Key recommendations for the Australian Government

• Work with the state and territory governments to promote in the Australian Curriculum the significance and value of migration in Australia’s history and future.
• Consider reestablishing the Department of Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs as a standalone department, to administer the current immigration and citizenship, multicultural affairs, settlement services, and social cohesion functions of the Department of Home Affairs.
• Explore simplifying the health requirements to a single Public Interest Criterion that incorporates an entitlement to apply for a waiver of the health requirements.
• Provide greater transparency to applicants, agents, and sponsors regarding the progress of visa applications.
• Amend the Migration Act 1958 or the Migration Regulations 1994 to expressly confer on Jobs and Skills Australia the statutory responsibility of determining skills and workforce shortages for the purposes of migration law.
• Undertake a pilot program to better aid refugees in navigating the skills assessment and qualification recognition processes in Australia.
• Collaborate with all levels of government to ensure that settlement service providers located in regional, rural, and remote settings are adequately resourced to deliver settlement services uniquely required in regional Australia.
• Develop and implement the establishment of a fully funded, independent collaborative institution for research and data collection and analysis related to migration policy, and associated policy impacts in social cohesion, employment, health, and any other relevant policy and portfolio considerations.