The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia in Canberra on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 12 March 2026

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia in Canberra on Friday, 13 March 2026. The Committee will hear from Australian Government departments and agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, about the vital contribution skilled migration makes to Australia’s economy and how the skilled migration program works to support Australia’s current and future needs. The Committee will also hear from stakeholders about skilled migration in regional and fast-growing areas and communities. The inquiry is seeking to better understand the enduring economic, social and cultural value of skilled migration to Australia, as well as examine the skilled migration program’s effectiveness in addressing skills gaps and supporting the ongoing needs of Australian businesses. The Committee will also consider the requirements of the states and territories and is particularly interested in how to build public awareness and understanding about the important role of skilled migration in Australia. Committee Chair, Mr Steve Georganas MP said: “Skilled migration plays an important role in Australia’s economic success by meeting labour shortages and filling skills gaps, as well as supporting local communities and enhancing cultural diversity. This inquiry is a valuable opportunity ensure the skilled migration program is operating effectively and that we have the settings right. The Committee has received a high number of quality submissions to the inquiry and is looking forward to hearing more from stakeholders across the community to better understand their views.” The Committee intends to hold more public hearings in due course. Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, submissions, public hearing transcripts and upcoming public hearings, is available on the inquiry webpage.  Public hearing details Date: Friday, 13 March 2026 Time: 8.30am to 12.20pm (AEDT) Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at www.youtube.com/@AUSParliamentLive. Media inquiries Office of Mr Steve Georganas MP, Committee Chair 0437 387 378 Steve.Georganas.MP@aph.gov.au Megan Thomas 0431 736 060 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Migration (02) 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration has launched a new inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia.

Media release issue date: Monday, 3 November 2025

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration has launched a new inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia. Skilled migration has played a central role in shaping Australia’s economic success. Skilled migrants address labour shortages, meet in-demand skills, and foster innovation to boost productivity, drive economic growth, and improve living standards. They also contribute significantly by enriching the cultural diversity that is fundamental to Australian society. The inquiry will seek to better understand the enduring economic, social and cultural value of skilled migration to Australia, as well as examine the program’s effectiveness in addressing skills gaps and supporting the ongoing needs of Australian businesses. It will also consider the requirements of the states and territories, while recognising the continuing need for housing and infrastructure. Committee Chair, Mr Steve Georganas MP said “Skilled migration makes a vital contribution to Australia’s economy and local communities. It is important to ensure the skilled migration program is operating effectively and that we have the right settings to support Australia’s current and future needs. The Committee also wants to hear what could be done to better build public awareness and understanding about the important role of skilled migration in Australia.” Interested individuals, businesses and organisations are encouraged to make a submission addressing one or more of the terms of reference by Monday, 5 January 2026. For more information about the inquiry, you can visit the inquiry webpage where you can make a submission to the inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Media inquiries Office of Mr Steve Georganas MP, Committee Chair 0437 387 378 Steve.Georganas.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Joint Standing Committee on Migration 02 6277 4560 migration@aph.gov.au