Immigration Policy

In reply to the Hon. S.L. GAME ().19 March 2025).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): The Deputy Premier has advised:

1. The Australian Government's Continuous Survey of Australia's Migrants, shows that skilled migrants, including those nominated by states and territories, have higher rates of labour force participation, lower unemployment, and higher annual earnings when compared to the general population. The Review of the Migration System in 2023 found that state nominated skilled migrants make a lifetime per person economic contribution of $2.8 million compared to $1.6 million for the general population.

The South Australian government receives regular feedback from industry outlining the value of the state nominated General Skilled Migration (GSM) program in helping businesses to fill skills shortages and facilitate business growth.

2. The South Australian government monitors state nominated skilled migrants to understand their employment status, including alignment of their skills and qualifications with their occupations.

To continue to improve skilled migrant utilisation, the South Australian government is investing more than $1.5 million and partnering with six organisations to unlock the full potential of skilled migration and address underutilisation and workforce shortages in priority sectors in South Australia. The Department of State Development will oversee and evaluate the outcomes of these initiatives, which also aim to improve the retention of skilled migrants in South Australia.

3. For the annual state nominated General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, the South Australian government undertakes detailed labour market analysis and industry engagement which underpins occupational planning levels for both onshore and offshore skilled visa nominations. The GSM program has clearly defined and published pathways under which skilled migrants can qualify for state nomination which align with workforce priorities for the state.