New poll shows Australians want government to remove barriers to skills recognition

3 February 2025

A new poll demonstrates public support for measures that could activate the currently unrecognised professional qualifications and skills of over 600,000 people. 

The poll, conducted by Essential Research and commissioned by the Activate Australia’s Skills campaign, found: 

• 83% believe reforming the skills recognition system is important to help address skill shortages and ensure communities across the country have better access to essential services 

• 61% believe the government system should take responsibility and ensure equivalent skills and qualifications are recognised.  

• 65% want pathways to overseas skills recognition to be fair and affordable. Only 10% disagree. 

“These results show that Australians support common-sense policies that ensure that everyone is working in jobs that match their skills,” Violet Roumeliotis, CEO of Settlement Services International, said. 

“Underutilised migrant skills cost the Australian economy $9 billion annually. Over 600,000 permanent residents could help address these skills shortages in critical sectors like healthcare and construction, improve essential services, reduce the cost of living and help ease housing shortages. 

“Our supporters range from businesses, unions and community organisations. This research shows that the majority of Australians support reforms to activate Australia’s skills.” 

The Activate Australia’s Skills campaign, which is convened by non-profit organisation SSI, consists of nearly 100 organisations calling on the federal government to implement key skills recognition reforms:  

• Establish one national governance system for all overseas skills and qualifications recognition, including an Ombudsman with regulatory power to provide independent oversight and transparency.  

• Create a seamless process with greater national consistency and reduced red tape. 

• Provide financial support for individuals to remove cost barriers and an online portal with all the information so people know what they need to do. 

• Set up Migrant Employment Pathway Hubs with skills recognition navigators to get qualified people working in their professions again.