This week, the Prime Minister announced that the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) will be abolished and replaced with the completely new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in March 2018.
The TSS visa program will be comprised of a Short-Term stream of up to two years and a Medium-Term stream of up to four years and will support businesses ‘in addressing genuine skill shortages in their workforce and will contain a number of safeguards which prioritise Australian workers.’
There is a steady exchange of researchers and related occupations between Australia and overseas countries. While 457 visas are not the only visa class used to being researchers to Australia, it has been an important part of the exchange of ideas, skills and knowledge. Some of the occupations that have been removed from the 457 visa class are:
- Biochemist
- Biotechnologist
- Life Scientist (General)
- Life Scientist (Not elsewhere classified)
- Nurse researcher
- Research and Development Manager
Are you affected in recruiting scientific workers from overseas? Or will this impact existing collaborations with overseas researchers? Alternatively, do you think this will encourage new on-shore opportunities for Australian early and mid-career scientists?
Research Australia is keen to hear from you about what effect this could have on you and your organisation. Please contact Head of Policy, Greg Mullins via email greg.mullins@researchaustralia.org or phone (03) 9662 9420.
More information is available here.
