The Australian government is in the early stages of examining major changes to the country's immigration system. According to statements by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, the government has engaged a team of experts to conduct a comprehensive review designed to ensure the country's immigration system "serves Australia's national interests and complements the skills and capabilities of Australian workers." While details on the scope of the report are still forthcoming, it is expected to focus on strategies for ensuring skilled labor for businesses, enhancing worker productivity, and navigating issues associated with an aging workforce. The experts' report is expected to be delivered to the government by the end of February 2023.

Looking Ahead: "A Migration System for Australia's Future"

Preparation of the report – to be titled "A Migration System for Australia's Future" – follows assertions by the Home Minister that Australia's immigration system is "broken," including allegations that the visa system has been exploited by criminal elements. However, the report is intended to be a broader review of the immigration system, and is expected to encompass a review (or even elimination) of Australia's skilled occupation list, which the Home Minister argued is not currently evidence-based.

The expert panel guiding the review is intended to conduct extensive consultations with migrants, unions, businesses, states and territories, and other key stakeholders. The three members of the expert panel are:

  • Dr. Martin Parkinson AC PSM — Chancellor of Macquarie University and former Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Secretary to the Treasury, inaugural Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, and an International Monetary Fund official.
  • Dr. Joanna Howe — Associate Professor in Law at the University of Adelaide and a consultant with Harmers Workplace Lawyers. Dr. Howe is a leading expert on the legal regulation of temporary labor migration and was appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration in 2021.
  • Mr. John Azarias — Former senior partner at Deloitte in Sydney and former member of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Skilled Migration. Mr. Azarias has carried out reviews commissioned by the Commonwealth Government in the areas of defense, immigration, foreign affairs and trade, and agriculture, as well as a review of the Board of Treasurers for State and Territory Treasurers.

Visit us at mayerbrown.com

Mayer Brown is a global legal services provider comprising legal practices that are separate entities (the "Mayer Brown Practices"). The Mayer Brown Practices are: Mayer Brown LLP and Mayer Brown Europe - Brussels LLP, both limited liability partnerships established in Illinois USA; Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales (authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England and Wales number OC 303359); Mayer Brown, a SELAS established in France; Mayer Brown JSM, a Hong Kong partnership and its associated entities in Asia; and Tauil & Chequer Advogados, a Brazilian law partnership with which Mayer Brown is associated. "Mayer Brown" and the Mayer Brown logo are the trademarks of the Mayer Brown Practices in their respective jurisdictions.

© Copyright 2020. The Mayer Brown Practices. All rights reserved.

This Mayer Brown article provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein.