The Joint Standing Committee on Migration has decided to suspend its inquiry into migration in regional Australia, in light of the economic effects of the public health situation changing the nature of the needs of communities in regional Australia.

Media release issue date: Friday, 27 March 2020

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration has decided to suspend its inquiry into migration in regional Australia, in light of the economic effects of the public health situation changing the nature of the needs of communities in regional Australia. “Given the fast evolving situation in Australia and around the world, and the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Committee felt it best to suspend its inquiry,” Mr Julian Leeser MP, Committee Chair said. “The Committee was unanimous in this decision, which it does not take lightly.” “The Committee will reconsider the matter later in 2020 but would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the inquiry so far. Your input and dedication to supporting and developing Australia’s regions is greatly appreciated.” Any questions about the suspension of the inquiry should be directed to migration@aph.gov.au.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will tomorrow hold a public hearing for its inquiry into migration in regional Australia, featuring the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 February 2020

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will today hold a public hearing for its inquiry into migration in regional Australia, featuring the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Committee Chair Julian Leeser says the hearing will be an opportunity to hear evidence from a national body about the impact of the regional skills shortage, and the ways in which migrants could help. ‘In our inquiry so far, we have heard about the role that skilled overseas workers play in regional economies,’ Mr Leeser said. ‘Today's hearing will give us the opportunity to hear on a national level about whether the current migration system is enabling regional businesses to fill existing job gaps.’ ‘The Committee looks forward to discussing in more detail the ACCI’s recommendations on the steps that need to be taken to enable more businesses to attract migrants to the regions.’ Public hearing details Date: Wednesday 25 February 2020 Time: 10am – 11am Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live. Further details on the inquiry, including the terms of reference, are available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4826 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration is holding a public hearing for its inquiry into migration in regional Australia on 27 November 2019.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 26 November 2019

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration is holding a public hearing for its inquiry into migration in regional Australia on 27 November 2019. The Committee will hear from the Australian Local Government Association, to discuss local governments’ perspectives on the factors that support successful regional migration and settlement. “Following the Committee’s first regional hearings in Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier, this presents and excellent opportunity to follow up on the issues raised with the national local government peak body,” said Mr Julian Leeser MP, Committee Chair. “The Committee heard from migrants, volunteers, and local government on the specific issues in two communities in South Australia, and this hearing will provide a chance to examine regional migration and settlement from a national perspective.” Public hearing details Date: Wednesday 27 November, 2019 Time: 10.00 am Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast at aph.gov.au/live. Further details on the inquiry, including the terms of reference, are available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4826 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration is headed to South Australia to examine how to encourage migrants to settle and remain in regional areas, in the first round of regional hearings for its inquiry into migration in regional Australia.

Media release issue date: Monday, 18 November 2019

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration is headed to South Australia to examine how to encourage migrants to settle and remain in regional areas, in the first round of regional hearings for its inquiry into migration in regional Australia. “South Australia is at the forefront of initiatives and strategies to encourage higher levels of migration to regional areas,” said Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP. “South Australian towns are seeking more migrants to boost population growth and address skills shortages, and the Committee can learn a lot from this experience.” “For our first regional hearings, we will be travelling to Adelaide (considered regional for the purposes of migration) on 18 November, Murray Bridge on 19 November and Mount Gambier on 20 November. This is a great opportunity to talk with people in regional areas with first-hand experience about what works to assist migrants to settle and stay in regional areas.” As part of the hearings, the Committee will be meeting with local government, Regional Development Australia, as well as local migrants and businesses. The Committee will also discuss regional migration with the South Australian Government and migration experts in Adelaide on 18 November. “The support of regional communities is critical to the success of regional migration. We want to hear directly from local people and organisations to understand how to ensure the long term success of migration to regional areas,” said Julian Leeser MP. The Committee will be travelling to other states and territories to visit a range of regional areas, details on these hearings will be announced in early 2020. Further details on the inquiry, including the terms of reference, are available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Annie Phillips Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au 0411 860 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au