Joint media release with the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs

Australian businesses wanting to attract the best and brightest minds from across the globe have been given a boost, thanks to a new Liberal-National Government visa pilot.
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 startup 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."

"The Morrison Government is committed to promoting growth in the technology sector, which is a huge driver of the Australian economy, and this scheme will boost business growth and skills sharing locally.

"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."

Cochlear Chief Executive Officer, Dig Howitt said the Global Talent Scheme is a positive step forward in supporting the future pipeline of international talent for Australian companies.

"Australian companies, like Cochlear can only succeed on the world stage if we have access to global talent," said Mr Howitt.

"Under our Global Talent Scheme agreement we will be able to hire regulatory specialists from Europe, the US and elsewhere who have the skills and experience that are very difficult to find in Australia but are absolutely critical to our business and ongoing international success. As Cochlear’s technology is sold in over 100 countries, we need people who can navigate a complex global regulatory environment".

An independent expert panel has been established with members from a cross-section of the Australian startup sector and emerging technological industries to determine if start-ups meet initial eligibility requirements for access to the scheme.

Panel Chair and CEO of StartupAUS Alex McCauley said the scheme is a fundamental step in bringing critical skills and expertise to Australia.

"We know that high-growth start-ups have incredible job creation potential. With access to world-class talent under this program they'll be able to unlock that growth, leading to lots more high value Australian jobs," Mr McCauley said.

"Eligibility criteria for employers differ between the two streams, however all business must demonstrate that the scheme will support job opportunities and skills transfer for Australians."

The Coalition 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 permanen t residence after three years.

More information about the Global Talent Scheme is available at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/visas-for-innovation

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office  02 6277 7070

Minister Coleman's office 02 6277 7770