Build a Better, Not Bigger Australia: Opposition Calls for More Changes to Migration Bill

Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Jun. 2, 2021. Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images

On the second day of Parliament, the government proposed reopening the debate on amending the Migration Act to change income thresholds for skilled migrants among other changes.

Shadow Minister for Immigration Dan Tehan instead, urged the House of Representatives to wait for a Senate inquiry’s findings into the proposed amendments.

Tehan argued that the Albanese Labor government should focus on building a “better” rather than “bigger” Australia and outlined key amendments the Liberal-Nationals want to see included

Clarity on What Skilled Migrants Australia Needs

Tehan raised concerns about the current process for determining which occupations are included on the skilled occupation list, arguing for a more methodical approach.

He stressed that the list should reflect areas with high demand for skilled labour, such as construction, and it should be adaptable to meet the changing needs of different regions, particularly those outside the capital cities.

“For example, when we’ve got a huge demand for the building of houses, you would hope that all the relevant occupations in that area would be on the occupation list. But so far, we’ve not seen any methodical process into how the skilled occupation list is made,” he told Parliament on Aug. 13.

Raising Income Threshold Could Pressure Employers

Tehan was also critical of the government’s decision to raise the temporary skilled migration income threshold from $53,900 to $70,000, citing concerns from employers, especially in regional Australia.

He warned that this increase could result in foreign workers being paid more than Australian workers, potentially causing workplace dissatisfaction.

“Employer groups, as part of the Senate inquiry process, have raised this issue with us.”

The Law Council of Australia also expressed reservations about this provision in its submissions to the Senate, suggesting that income thresholds should be adjustable by regulation rather than fixed in legislation.

Meanwhile, Tehan also argued that immigration policies must prevent dangerous criminals from being released into the community without proper visa conditions, citing recent court cases that led to the release of dangerous criminals into Australian society.

Debate on the bill was postponed until later.