Tuesday, 4 July 2017 | Media Release
Restoration on skilled visas welcomed across medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector.
The restoration of key occupations for the medical technology, research and pharmaceutical sector to the skilled migration visa list has been welcomed by six representative organisations. Having participated in submissions and consultations, the combined peak body group is pleased the Government has addressed concerns that were widely shared across the medical technologies, biotechnologies and pharmaceuticals industry sector and the health and medical research sector.
The revised list of occupations is an important step for which there is significant acknowledgment and relief that the attraction of highly-skilled individuals will not be thwarted and demonstrates continued support for Australia’s competitive advantage in life sciences innovation.
The revised list has provided assurance that important recruitment of outstanding talent can continue consistent with the Australian National Innovation and Science Agenda. Australia will be able to continue to thrive as a home for some of the world’s most talented scientists and medical researchers, improve its position as a centre for high-quality R&D in medical science and receive the associated spillover benefits.
Signatory organisations include representatives of the entire life sciences research and commercialisation ‘ecosystem’, including biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, ranging from start-ups to mature multinationals, research institutes, universities and specialist service professionals.
We understand the need for the Government to ensure that the visa program benefits Australia and the scheme must be viewed as a tool to fill the skills gaps that exists in Australia. In this instance, the gaps are in research and industries that create highly-attractive highly skilled jobs, attract clinical research, upskills the local talent pool and grows the local economy.
Joint statement on skilled migration visa changes.
