This is because, for many years, one of the most fundamental problems of Australia’s skilled migration systemhas been that employers cannot make good use of skilled migrants’ skills —or, looked at the other way,that skilled migrants cannot find work that matches their skills and expertise.In practice, a mismatch that goes unused is good for neither Australia nor the applicant.

The Productivity Commission therefore recommends a change of approach in policy —shifting from broad target-driven policy to narrower, results-driven policy.

At present, for example, suitable applicants are sought on the basis of wanting tofill labour-market shortages (the occupation lists); and points are awarded for past work experience in order topredict and assess whether applicantshave better skills and are more likely to find job opportunities in Australia.

The Productivity Commission recommendsplacing greater emphasis, going forward,onthe results that can be seen right now —for instance, whether an employer-sponsored applicant can right nowfind an employer willing to offer them a high salary and a long-term position;if they can, then there is demand and there is capability — so why should it still be constrained by the situation of an entire industry or field? Or, for instance, whether a Subclass 189 applicantcan, while still relatively young, hold a job with good pay that matches their skills — does it really matter so much if they don’t have that many years of relevant work experience?

We believe this report will give the federal government a great deal of directional inspiration for reform. Not every recommendation will immediately produce an identical outcome, but many of the reforms to come should bear the imprint of these recommendations, or be built upon them.

So for future migrants and international graduates, finding relevant work that matches your field of study and skills should matter more than ever.

2023