Changes to Skilled Worker Visas will impact access to global executive talent pool, says AESC
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Call to reconsider visa changes in light of negative 'unintended consequences'
SYDNEY, Australia, May 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- There was collective concern
expressed this week amongst members of the Association of Executive Search and
Leadership Consultants (AESC) over the impact of recent changes to immigration
regulations. It was agreed the changes may detrimentally affect Australia's
ability to attract high calibre global talent. The AESC members are drawn from
the top executive search and leadership advisory firms across Australia.
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"We are collectively concerned that the mooted changes to Australia's Skilled
Worker Visa arrangements will impact access to the global executive talent
pool," said Graham Willis, AESC Chair for Australia. "On a daily basis our
members are dealing with the deep executive talent pools that exist within
Australia. However, these talent pools do not always offer the depth of
executive experience needed to meet the future needs of a business. With
executive recruitment now a global story and given rapid disruptive changes in
the market, Australian companies must ensure they are globally competitive."
Mr Willis said there were thus many times that executive search and leadership
advisory firms needed to step outside Australia, tapping into overseas talent or
attracting the rich experience of Australians who have built careers overseas.
"The decision by a Senior Executive to relocate-whether for offshoring or
onshoring-is not one taken lightly; nor is the decision by Australian companies
to employ overseas talent," he said. "It is significant that the collective view
of Australian AESC members this week was that the proposed 457 and 186 visa
changes are likely to be counterproductive in attracting the very best executive
talent to Australia."
The comments follow the 18 April 2017 announcement by the Australian Prime
Minister, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, and his Minister for Immigration and
Border Protection, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, and reference their proposal that
the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) be abolished and replaced
with the new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. Changes to the subclass 186
visa were also announced-including the extension of age limits. These would set
a new maximum age limit of 45 years old for executive-level professionals to
obtain 186 visas, significantly restricting Australia's access to +45 year old
top senior executive talent.
"The executive search and leadership consulting profession recognises the
benefits of promoting local talent pools, however, AESC's central concern is
that the proposed visa changes will serve to restrict onshoring of key leaders
and access to specific and specialised skills in the global market," said Graham
Willis.
Mr Willis noted that diversity of talent was essential to Australia's economic
success, especially leaders who bring experience working in global markets or
with specific skills. The skills and background required for successful senior
level appointments cannot always be found locally, and for businesses to gain a
competitive advantage in their increasingly global industries, mobilisation of
executive talent across borders is critical.
AESC members also expressed concern about the proposal to establish a new two-
year renewable visa-only able to be renewed once-and the closing of pathways to
permanent residency status for some senior executives. "The view of our
profession generally is that a two-year visa will likely create unnecessary and
often irreconcilable risk both for Australian companies whose investors seek
leadership certainty while, at the same time, top candidates seek both
flexible, and long term contracts, of more than four years duration," said Mr
Willis.
AESC noted that lack of employment security reduces the attractiveness of senior
executive positions to overseas talent not available locally. AESC members also
expressed concern that the closing of the pathway to permanent residency for
company sponsored executives will create a talent vacuum-a loss of long term
capability building Australia's talent ranks-and executives who have,
historically, made long-term contributions to Australia.
"Executive Search and Leadership Consulting firms fully appreciate the depth of
executive talent within the country, and understand the intention and desire of
this legislation to protect opportunities available to Australian citizens,"
said Steve Mullinjer, AESC Global Vice Chair and Chair of AESC's Council of Asia
Pacific and the Middle East. "However, for true economic opportunities for
Australia and its citizens, it is essential that Australian companies have
access to talent that can best deliver the greatest business outcomes." He
reinforced the point that AESC's experience confirmed that high performance from
any company requires leadership expertise that is diverse, experienced and can
drive transformation and change.
"AESC members play a critical role in ensuring that organisations have the
greatest competitive advantage-a direct pipeline of outstanding talent to
encourage and facilitate greater output, innovation and productivity," said Mr
Mullinjer. "To best position Australian business to be competitive on an
international scale and reward prosperity for Australia, AESC and its Australian
membership, we urge the government to reconsider the unintended consequences of
the legislation."
About the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants
AESC is the voice of excellence for the executive search and leadership
consulting profession worldwide. Its rigorous Code of Professional
Practice guides our members in nearly 1,300 offices in 74 countries and beyond
to serve as strategic advisors on behalf of their clients. In turn, AESC members
are best positioned to provide companies with a competitive advantage-the
ability to find, attract and develop the best talent in the world and ensure
that executives are successfully integrated.
By virtue of selecting an AESC member, clients can be secure in their choice of
consulting firm, and can reap the benefits that only a trusted advisor can
deliver. To learn more about AESC and to view a list of AESC members,
visit www.aesc.org. To learn more about AESC's career service for executive-
level candidates, visit www.bluesteps.com.
Contact:
Joe Chappell, AESC
jchappell(at)aesc.org
+ 1 (212) 398 9556 ext. 236
This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Association of Executive Search & Leadership Consultants (AESC) via GlobeNewswire
Datum: 31.05.2017 - 23:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 545628
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"Changes to Skilled Worker Visas will impact access to global executive talent pool, says AESC"
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