In May 2024, KPMG Australia was pleased to be given the opportunity to provide a submission in response to the Jobs and Skills Australia Consultation: Draft Core Skills Occupations List.
KPMG endorses a consistent and significant immigration initiative that prioritises the influx of younger, well-qualified individuals, alongside programs for humanitarian and family reuniting purposes. We acknowledge the valuable economic contributions that the immigration of skilled individuals brings to Australia.
KPMG has advocated for changes to reform the points test on areas, pinpointing areas that could yield the most significant benefits for Australia's economy. Such reforms are aimed at drawing a younger demographic to settle in Australia, bringing in individuals with high employability or sought-after skills, and encouraging skilled professionals to reside and contribute in regions where their expertise and talents are in the greatest demand.
KPMG is in general concurrence with the migration strategy recommendations regarding the critical function of Jobs and Skills Australia to create and upkeep an evidence-based, dynamic list of occupations in high demand that aligns with changing workforce demographics.
Scenario
In preparing this submission, KPMG assessed a scenario where the number of offshore permanent migrants is increased by a cumulative 200,000 over the next six years.
In this scenario, real GDP in 2030 is estimated to be about $26 billion higher than in a baseline projection where the migrant intake is consistent with the profile set out in the 2024-25 Federal Budget.
