Australia is struggling to fill critical skills gaps while hundreds of thousands of qualified migrants work below their capabilities. A longer-term migration strategy could help unlock that wasted talent.

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The article argues that Australia's economic future relies on skilled migration despite political resistance. Politicians, including One Nation and mainstream parties, refuse to acknowledge the necessity of skilled migrants, even as they debate how such immigration affects society. The piece criticises the lack of economic understanding in these debates, highlighting Pauline Hanson's dismissal of migration's impact on businesses and universities. It warns that while Australia needs more skilled workers to address labor shortages, the political focus on divisive rhetoric risks entrenching social divisions. The author calls for a pragmatic approach to immigration policy that balances economic needs with societal integration. Key issues include the role of skilled migrants in filling critical job roles, the potential for cultural shifts, and the need for bipartisan agreement on migration frameworks. The article also notes the broader implications for Australia's global competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

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Australian agricultural groups have emphasised the crucial role skilled migrants play in sustaining the farming sector and regional communities. Submissions to a federal inquiry highlight that skilled migrants fill critical labour shortages, contribute to food security, and help maintain local economies. Dairy farmers, for example, report that over 40 per cent of operations hired overseas workers in 2024. These workers not only support farm productivity but also enrich cultural diversity and strengthen social cohesion in regional areas. Peak farming bodies are advocating for public awareness campaigns to shift perceptions, stressing that skilled migration complements rather than replaces local workers. Such campaigns could include community events to foster connections between migrants and long-term residents. The inquiry will also examine the economic, social, and cultural benefits of skilled migration, amid political debate about limiting overseas arrivals. Measures in the federal budget allocate over 132,000 of 185,000 permanent migration places to skilled workers in 2026/27, which is expected to moderately reduce net overseas migration. Agricultural groups argue that international expertise brought by migrants benefits rural communities and contributes to the sustainability of regional Australia.