Australian businesses sign up to Global Talent Scheme

Australian businesses wanting to attract the best and brightest minds from across the globe have been given a boost in their bid to attract global talent, thanks to a new visa pilot program.

Five organisations have signed up to the 12-month Global Talent Scheme pilot, which consists of two streams – one for established businesses and another for start-ups.

Cochlear, SFDC Australia, Rio Tinto and SafetyCulture are the first established businesses to sign up, allowing them to gain access to top global talent.

Q-CTRL, a company at the forefront of quantum computing in Australia, has also signed up – the first to access a Global Talent Scheme agreement under the start-up stream.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said the Global Talent Scheme – an initiative between industry and the Government – will connect Australia with the skills to help grow the economy.

“Australia’s skilled migration program is about recruiting the best and brightest migrants – those who are going to work, help grow the economy and commit to Australian values,” Mr Coleman said.

“The businesses that have signed up to the pilot are leaders in their fields. We look forward to working with these businesses, ensuring they can attract top global talent into Australia.

“This is another example of how the Government is supporting Australian businesses to unlock their growth potential, create more jobs and drive local skills transfer.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the scheme will help Australia attract global talent.

“This will help Australian businesses attract individuals with specific skills for roles that are not currently able to be filled by Australians.

“Global talent is in demand, and we’re ensuring Australia can attract individuals with the science, technology, engineering, and maths skills needed for areas like robotics and biotechnology, which will help these sectors thrive and flow on to benefit all Australians,” she explained.

The Government is continuing to work with industry on the implementation and refinement of the scheme to ensure that it achieves its purpose by delivering more flexible visa arrangements to help attract global talent to Australia.

Under the scheme, businesses sponsoring workers will need to demonstrate they are unable to source suitable individuals in Australia.

Workers sponsored under the scheme will have access to a four-year Temporary Skill Shortage visa and the option of seeking permanent residence after three years.

Article published 18th December 2018