The Albanese Government has declared that the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will rise from $53,900 to $70,000 effective on July 1st. 

“This is the first increase to the TSMIT in a decade. It is a down payment on the type of migration system the Albanese Government wants to build,” Minister for Home Affairs Claire O’Neil said. 

“Our migration success story is rooted in permanency and citizenship. Giving people the chance to get established in their community, educate their kids, and become Australian.” 

Check out: New report says skilled migration needs a reset 

The threshold, which had remained stagnant since 2013, has contributed to undermining Australia’s skilled migration system as around 90% of full-time jobs in Australia currently pay more than the existing TSMIT. 

“The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold was frozen for a decade by the former Liberal Government, including the six years where Peter Dutton was Minister. This is not fair for migrant workers and it is not fair for Australian workers,” Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles said. 

“Providing pathways to permanent residency for workers on Temporary Skill Shortage visas is another step towards ending the ‘permanently temporary’ limbo that formed a key part of the decade of mismanagement under the former Liberal government.” 

Check out: Smart migration policy can help rebuild our nation 

According to the media release, the new threshold of $70,000 is approximately where the TSMIT should have been if it had been appropriately indexed over the last decade.  

The Government’s announcement is in response to the independent Review of the Migration System headed by Dr Martin Parkinson, which identified issues with the current migration system. 

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) was also unveiled this week, allowing short stream visa holders access to a pathway to permanent residency within the existing capped permanent program by the end of 2023.  

This decision will provide migrants and employers with more certainty and will enhance the skill level in the permanent skilled program. 

These two measures satisfy crucial election commitments to extend the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold and broaden the pathways to permanent residency. 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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