Programme to attract business people to Australia should be thoroughly examined

THE Business Innovation and Investment Programme (the Programme) should undergo a comprehensive examination by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, according to a new report.

Federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Migration last night tabled the report for its inquiry into the Programme, which aims to attract investors and company owners who have demonstrated a history of success in investment, innovation and management of a business, to work and live in Australia.

The Programme offers various opportunities to help contribute to the Australian economy. Committee Chair, Mrs Louise Markus MP, said that it is important that Australia’s migration programme meet Australia’s business and economic needs.

“In order to compete in the global market and stimulate our economy, Australia needs programmes like this that encourage the creation of genuine and sustainable business opportunities,” Mrs Markus said.

“It is vitally important that the Business Innovation and Investment Programme is effective and meets its objectives. The committee has therefore recommended that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection examine the Programme with a focus on the suitability and attainability of the Programme’s objectives, the role states and territories have in administering the Programme, and how to best collect, disseminate and evaluate data on the Programme.”

The committee also recommended that the examination focus on: the promotion and marketing of the Programme; application processing and service standards; English language requirements; innovation points test; and attracting investment in regional Australia, graduates, early-stage entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists.

The full report can be found at the committee’s website: http://www.aph.gov.au/mig

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