The Melbourne Chapter Meeting on the 14th February 2018 was titled “Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa: Is Business Ready?" and hosted by Fragomen.

The panel discussion, facilitated by Chris Spentzaris, partner at Fragomen to explore recent developments, highlighted the areas yet to be clarified by the Department of Immigration, as well as and extensive discussion on what business is doing to manage the immigration changes and planning for the introduction to the TSS visa. 

Panel of Speakers:

• Nicky Brophy, Global Mobility Specialist, Ericsson Australia
• Heather Williams, Senior Manager, International Mobility, ANZ Australia
• Simon Pryor, Executive Director, Infrastructure and Regulation, Business Council of Australia

Chris discussed the timeline of reforms of the 457 program; the new TSS Visa from March 1 (2 streams)

The following and more were covered along with a lively Q&A:

• Transitional arrangements for certain 457 visa holders to apply for permanent residence under existing pathways
• The new Skilling Australians Found Levy and how this will be administered
• Renewal restrictions in respect of occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and impact on workforce planning
• Increased compliance focus with the new 'naming and shaming provisions', data sharing arrangements and tips for developing a robust immigration and compliance program

Simon Pryor’s insights from the Business Council of Australia were well received. As were the arrangements being put in place by the likes of ANZ and Ericsson

Please visit the Fragomen microsite for more information:
https://www.fragomen.com/services/australian-immigration-reforms-2017-what-you-need-know/about