March 19, 2018
Australia’s leading research intensive universities say the Global Talent Scheme visa trial announced today by the Federal Government is strong recognition that as a nation we must remain competitive in the war for global talent if we are to advance our economy.
The Group of Eight (Go8), which invests some $6 billion in research annually, says the scheme will enable universities, businesses and start-ups to attract highly talented and ‘in demand’ individuals to Australia.
“Our universities operate in a truly international marketplace where we must compete against the best universities in the world for international students and academic talent. Establishing our reputation in this marketplace depends on attracting the best minds from around the globe to come to Australia to work with and foster local talent, said Vicki Thomson, Go8 Chief Executive.
“Many outstanding Australians such as Professor Ian Frazer, Professor Fiona Wood and Professor Michelle Simmons – all Australians of the year – and Professor Brian Schmidt – Nobel Prize winner and Vice Chancellor of the ANU – who came to Australia as foreign researchers, were educated overseas at no cost to Australian taxpayers and have become great contributors to Australia and great Australians.
“These are the people who can open doors and invite Australia into new and exciting areas,” said Vicki Thomson, Go8 Chief Executive.
“Through them, Australia will be able to build our skills and capacities in a range of exciting new industries, such as precision medicine or neural-engineering.
“Without the ability to bring in experts in these emerging fields, we would struggle to ensure our students have access to the latest developments wherever they occur. Now we can help to ensure that the training and research conducted by Australian universities remains among the best in the world.
Ms Thomson said whilst the Global Talent Scheme visa would operate on trial basis, the Go8 would be looking for continued consultation with Government to ensure its success for the long term.
“The Australian Government has a vision for our country to become a top tier innovation nation over the coming decade. Initiatives such as this will go a long way toward ensuring that we can continue to attract the specialised talent we need to deliver on that vision.”
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155
