In our first chapter meeting for 2023 it was really wonderful to catchup over drinks, meet new members and reflect on the FEM 2023 Global Mobility Survey results.  Most people wanted to continue to with quarterly events but were happy to mix up the timing with a preference for late afternoon events. 

The GM priority topics ( identified through the survey) and confirmed in person for future events were:

• Tax exposure/ changing legislation
• Immigration rules, better understanding of different subclasses mentioned e.g. 494
• Cost of living/ standard of living in pulling packages together (rental market around Australia)
• New or updated policies to better support changing global mobility needs/practices/Talent attraction

Safety and Risks were also mentioned and an example provided by ISOS; having just returned from Ghana – the topic of getting Expats in Ghana covered sufficiently for medical and health associated costs, which are on the increase and often not available and or sufficient.  There was a sense that this is becoming a topic of concern and solutions are sought. 

We discussed the introduction of a GM Mentoring Program later in the year, what it may look like and requested people to sign up as mentors and mentees (or both). More on this later.