Recognition of skills would help kickstart productivity, according to advocates
Reforms to Australia's overseas qualification recognition system should be a priroity at this week's economic roundtable, according to an alliance of businesses, unions and politicians.
Activate Australia says 620,000 permanent migrants in Australia work below their skill level because of a costly system for recognising overseas-acquired skills and qualifications and changes would help kickstart productivity.
"Fixing Australia's skills recognition regime is not just about fairness. It is an essential part of boosting economic productivity and growth," said Allegra Spender MP, Member of Wentworth, in a statement.
"It is about harnessing the talent of migrants already in Australia whose skills are being wasted."
Mismatch problem in the system
The alliance — made up of businesses, unions, social services, and community organisations — has pointed out that there is a mismatch problem in Australia's recognition system that is costing the economy billions.
According to the alliance, the system locks migrant workers out of jobs that they are qualified for through excessive fees, unnecessary red tape, and lack of accountability.
As a result of this barrier, the country is losing $70 billion in economic activity.
"Fixing the skills recognition system would improve labour market outcomes for everyone, but better matching would significantly increase the benefits of our migration programme," said Dr Martin Parkinson, Chair of the Migration System Review, in a statement.
"Addressing this issue would provide an almost immediate boost to Australia's economy and improve the impact of the migration programme on an ongoing basis."
Single national system for overseas skills and qualifications recognition
Activate Australia is advocating for the establishment of a single national governance system for all overseas skills and qualifications recognition, including an Ombudsman with regulatory power to provide independent oversight and transparency.
It is also calling for the creation of a joined-up system that connects skills recognition for migration purposes with licensing and accreditation for employment purposes.
The alliance also wants financial support provided for individuals to remove the cost barriers, as well as an online portal for information dissemination.
According to the alliance, the government should also set up Migrant Employment Pathway Hubs with skills recognition navigators to get qualified people working in their professions.
Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service, said these solutions are backed by industry, unions, economists, and the community sector.
"Fixing our overseas skills recognition system will boost our economy, improve services, reduce waiting lists and allow skilled people to work in their professions again. It's a win-win for us all," Goldie said in a statement.
The economic Roundtable will run from August 19 to 21 at the Parliament House in Canberra. It will be attended by leaders from businesses, unions, civil society, government, and other experts.
