Thursday 27 April 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
Property Council welcomes landmark review of the Australian migration system
The Property Council of Australia today welcomed the Review of the Migration System report and the reform recommendations announced by the government as a crucial first step in fixing a broken migration system.
Property Council of Australia Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said it was the right time to discuss a settlement strategy for the nation, pointing to the need for better planning of infrastructure and housing to support future growth.
Mr Zorbas said the findings announced at the National Press Club today by Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil were timely, as labour shortages continue to bite across the economy and the construction sector continues to cry out for skilled labour.
“The property sector in particular needs skilled workers to deliver the infrastructure and projects that are already in the pipeline, and that our nation badly needs,” Mr Zorbas said.
“The skilled migrants who come to work in Australia, and the students who come to study, are two of our greatest economic and social assets.
“Skilled migrants underpin our economic success, so often taking on jobs that businesses are desperately trying to fill in a variety of industries including construction, mining and in our caring workforce in childcare and aged care.
“These are jobs that matter deeply. What’s more, when migrants take on these important jobs, they then spend their incomes here, and pay tax here, all fuelling our national economy,” he said.
Mr Zorbas welcomed the move to provide pathways for skilled migrants to settle permanently in Australia and underlined the need to provide the necessary housing and infrastructure to support their arrival.
“Further clarity on pathways to permanency will enhance Australia’s appeal as a magnet for global talent,” Mr Zorbas said.
“We were pleased to see the review recognise the critical role international students play in our society, with the report also highlighting the need to strengthen the quality of education they receive in Australia to further increase our popularity in the global education market.
“International students underpin our critical purpose-built student accommodation sector, which currently houses 76,500 residents Australia wide.
“Changes to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold from $53,900 to $70,000 will need to be monitored closely, to ensure the skills and jobs in high demand can continue to be filled by migrant workers.
“Underpinning all migration and settlement plans, Australia needs a greater supply of new homes through national housing targets and significantly improved planning systems and outcomes,” he said.
ENDS
Media contact: Rhys Prka | 0425 113 273 | [email protected]
Ellie Laing-Southwood | 0416 007 830 | [email protected]