July 2017
Revisions to the skilled migration list have been welcomed by many BioMelbourne Network members across the biotechnology, medical technology and pharmaceutical sector.
The restoration of occupations such as life scientist, biotechnologist, CEO/General Manager, and biochemist to the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), provides a pathway to permanent residency. These changes will ensure Victorian companies can attract high calibre people to Melbourne to further advance the development of medical therapeutics and innovations.
This great outcome for the sector has been supported by combined advocacy efforts of many leading organisations, who have undertaken extensive consultation with Government and provided submissions representing the business needs of the biotechnology, medical technology and pharmaceutical sector.
“Access to global talent is essential to growing globally successful businesses” says BioMelbourne Network CEO Dr Krystal Evans. “With Melbourne’s enviable lifestyle and growing opportunities in biotechnology, our city is well placed to attract smart, talented people. The revised skills migration list will ensure Melbourne remains a top choice for talented professionals who can contribute to developing the next generation of medical therapies for the world.”
Thank-you to all of the BioMelbourne Network members who contributed case studies and provided feedback on the importance of skilled migration to growing the sector and supporting the development and translation of discoveries into products for global markets.
However, there are remaining concerns for some BioMelbourne Network members as as “patent attorney” and “trade mark attorney” have been removed from the list and are no longer eligible to be sponsored positions. In addition key design skills, such as graphic designer, industrial designer and web designer have moved to the Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL), which does not offer a pathway to permanent residence.
The Department of Immigration has advised that the occupations available will be reviewed every six months, and that submissions will be taken prior to the next scheduled update on the 1st of January 2018. BioMelbourne Network are seeking more information from the Department on the process for this, and how we might facilitate responses from our members.
