Explore the disparities in Australia’s new immigration plan where Queensland is set to receive fewer skilled migrants, while Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania are poised to see increases. Delve into how these regional variations could impact their respective economies.

In a decisive effort to overhaul Australia’s immigration framework, the Albanese administration has unveiled comprehensive adjustments to its state-sponsored visa initiatives. Here’s a detailed analysis of which regions benefit and which face reductions under this revised approach:

Boost for Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania

Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania are set to experience significant gains, each slated to receive a minimum of 1,500 additional permanent skilled migrant visa allocations in the next year. These changes reflect the federal government’s proactive stance in addressing crucial shortages of skilled labor in strategic areas nationwide.

Queensland’s Allocation Cut

In contrast, Queensland is facing a decrease in its quota for state-nominated permanent skilled migration, which will decrease from 900 to 600 positions. Additionally, temporary visa allocations for the state will see a reduction from 650 to 600. This revision aligns with Queensland Premier Steven Miles’ endorsement earlier in the year of a plan to reduce migration levels, aimed at alleviating housing challenges.

Federal Government’s Strategy

Federal Immigration Minister Andrew Giles highlighted that these adjustments represent a departure from previous approaches, focusing on a more equitable distribution of skilled labor while avoiding worsening existing bottlenecks. This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring that skilled workers are deployed where their contributions are most essential, spanning various regions throughout Australia.

Addressing Regional Disparities

The federal government’s strategy also addresses imbalances in the distribution of skilled workers across regions. States such as Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory, which collectively attracted less than 1% of skilled visa holders last year, will receive substantial proportional increases in both permanent and temporary visa allocations under the new plan.


Acknowledging Unique Challenges

The acute housing shortage in Western Australia has led to an allocation of an additional 1,000 temporary visa positions, which acknowledges the state’s specific economic difficulties and pressures for growth. Premier Roger Cook commended the government for recognizing Western Australia’s unique circumstances within this comprehensive immigration strategy.

Looking Ahead

As part of broader initiatives, the federal government intends to distribute a total of 26,000 visa positions through state-nominated schemes. While this number is lower than initial requests, the goal is to more effectively align skilled migration with regional requirements. This adjustment highlights a departure from a uniform migration policy to more tailored, region-specific solutions.

Australia’s immigration reform signals a strategic pivot towards harmonizing economic expansion with regional necessities. While certain states encounter decreases, others are poised to gain substantially, marking a fresh phase in the nation’s strategy towards skilled migration and regional advancement.