In gathering evidence for this final report, the Committee considered skilled migration in the context of the other levers available to government. It became apparent that greater coordination of effort across the Commonwealth and across jurisdictions is needed to identify labour shortages and formulate the...

COVID-19 has had a significant effect on Australia’s workforce. This interim report makes recommendations specifically to deal with the economic effects of the pandemic.

The focus of the terms of reference for this inquiry was, in part, on the economic impact of the disruption of access to Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Joint Committee on Migration has decided to produce this interim report for the inquiry into the Working Holiday Maker Program because of the urgent need to address the substantial labour shortages Australia’s agricultural and horticultural industry is facing for the upcoming harvest season.

Long-term permanent residents of Australia from all countries must understand that they are not protected from possible deportation for criminal activity, regardless of the length of time they have lived in Australia.