Skilled & ready: A blueprint for activating Australia’s overseas-trained workforce
This report presents a blueprint for reforming Australia’s skills recognition system.
Activate Australia’s Skills
Physiotherapist Antonio migrated to Australia six years ago. Due to a complex and expensive skills recognition process, he’s worked as a cleaner, a labourer, a waiter and a delivery driver, despite the fact that his profession is experiencing a nationwide shortage.
Antonio is one of thousands of overseas-trained workers who are already in the country and ready to work. Let’s activate these highly skilled workers.
Convened by SSI, the Activate Australia’s Skills campaign is an alliance campaign of businesses, unions, social services and community organisations working to improve the skills and qualifications recognition system in order to address the shortages crippling Australian communities, families and businesses.
Thousands of highly skilled workers already living in Australia are blocked from contributing to their full potential. An endless maze of hurdles unrelated to actual expertise means valuable qualifications aren’t recognised.
Doctors and electricians are driving ride shares. Engineers and dentists are stacking shelves. Nurses and pharmacists are cleaning offices.
The Activate Australia’s Skills Blueprint maps out four key changes that all parties must commit to ahead of the next election:
- Establish one national governance system including an Ombudsman
- Create a seamless process with reduced red tape
- Remove cost and information barriers through financial support and an online portal
- Set up migrant employment pathways hubs with skills recognition navigators to get qualified people working in their professions again.
Let’s Activate Australia’s Skills. Everyone wins.
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