Australia’s knowledge economy is dependent on this global collaboration, which is underpinned by the ability of staff and students to move between institutions in different countries at different stages of their careers. As a nation, we rely on a supply of skilled individuals to take up vital jobs and underpin national priorities. Never has the need for such a reliance been greater.

Australia’s success in mitigating the impact of the pandemic is in a large part due to the decision to implement strict border restrictions and limit the entry of non-citizens or permanent residents. While critical to maintaining our good public health outcomes, this has created a climate of uncertainty in which it is difficult to make projections or plan for any near-future migration scenarios.

Acknowledging this reality is important, as Government works back to economic and social health in extremely complex and changing circumstances. Skilled migration has played an important role in the national economy and will be important to national recovery.