MRC Report: Oceans of Opportunity

How labour mobility can help Australia and its neighbours

Published: January 2017

A report by the Menzies Research Centre

Edited by Nick Cater

Launched by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on 1 March, the report suggests “specific visa classes be developed to encourage workers from Pacific Island nations to come to Australia to fill skills shortages, particularly in areas such as aged care, tourism and agriculture”. As well as the visa proposals, the report makes three other recommendations: more funding for the Australia-Pacific Technical College to match up graduates with industry sectors in Australia experiencing shortages; accreditation of recruitment and labour agents; and access to Australian welfare for any new permanent visa holders equivalent to what New Zealand citizens receive.