Brain drain highlights opportunity challenge

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Brain drain highlights opportunity challengeSouth Australia is losing its younger residents as they depart Adelaide for the eastern seaboard, enticed by perceived greater job opportunities and an appealing lifestyle. “Net interstate migration is a crucial issue that must be addressed in the best interests of job creation and economic growth,” said SA Executive Director of the Property Council Daniel Gannon. “There are predominantly two factors encouraging the younger demographic to leave South Australia – lifestyle and career opportunities. “Adelaide’s CBD in particular has made some ground in recent times on the lifestyle front, punctuated by the State Government’s vibrancy and activation agenda. “However, young South Australians are still leaving our state in pursuit of career opportunities, and we need to address the causal factors here. “The Property Council last year conducted research into South Australia’s ‘brain drain’ dilemma. “Nearly all respondents who had relocated interstate claimed they had found more opportunities for career advancement in their new location, believing relocation assisted with their career progression. “In addition to accelerated and diverse career opportunities, our respondents cited a more vibrant lifestyle as a secondary reason for relocating interstate. “South Australia must strive to become the best place to do business and provide opportunities for our best and brightest to stay here in gainful employment. “If South Australia wants to become the ‘knowledge state’ and drive growth through innovation, then we need review our policy settings. “We need to build the right conditions for economic growth, complemented by policies that influence job creation. “South Australia’s economy must also be best positioned to attract more than its share of national and international investment. “If we fail to recognise that people are one of our core assets, then we’re allowing other jurisdictions to capitalise by taking our people, taking our innovation and taking our tax revenue. “And when talk turns to state investment, we shouldn’t frame the conversation only in terms of profits – we also need to frame the conversation around people.”