The department of immigration is undertaking a public consultation via a survey to obtain views on the size, balance and composition of the 2015-16 Migration Programme and the factors to be taken into consideration in planning Australia’s future migration intakes, including longer term indicators.

“We hope to stimulate your thoughts around the planning for and management of the programme to best meet Australia’s economic and social needs in view of the changing nature of migration in Australia and overseas. Your views will be considered in the department’s submission to government on the 2015-16 Migration Programme and will inform the size, balance and composition of Australia’s future migration intakes” notes the recently released discussion paper from the DIBP.

The paper acknowledges that the department is aware of the increasing global competitiveness in attracting and retaining highly skilled migrants from overseas and the need for a clearer, deregulated skilled migration visa framework that will help shape and define Australia’s economic future.

At present, the Migration Programme is planned annually. However, DIBP is considering alternative approaches to planning, with a longer term planning horizon and an increased flexibility within the programme to respond to the ongoing and emerging economic needs and family reunion challenges of Australians.

As part of this process, the department may be exploring alternative planning options including a range-based planning approach and a multi-year planning cycle for future consideration

According to ABS statistics, net overseas migration is expected to steadily increase reaching 255,200 for the year ending 2016 and then to level off and decrease to 235,800 by June 2018.

Follow these links:

The survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RYWVBKG. The closing date is Friday 5 December 2014.

The discussion paper: http://www.immi.gov.au/pub-res/Documents/discussion-papers/Migration-Programme-2015-16-Discussion-Paper.pdf