Op-Ed: Jobs summit is just the start of rare chance for deep thinking

2 September 2022
An increase to the annual permanent migration cap by 35,000 to 195,000 announced today at the Jobs and Skills Summit has been welcomed by the Australian Banking Association (ABA).
ABA Chief Executive Anna Bligh said an increased migration cap for this financial year, along with visa processing improvements and targeted skills and training programs and policies, were critical to ensuring there are enough workers to fill a range of vacancies at all levels.
“This is a positive step to resolving the acute labour shortages we’re seeing in our economy. Australian banks are eager to support small and medium businesses held back from growing and expanding, this announcement goes some way to addressing the issue,” Ms Bligh said.
“An increase in the permanent migration cap from 160,000 to 195,000 places should flow through to reducing the ongoing pressure some businesses are facing. It’s an example of a practical outcome to come out of the last two days.”
“Australian banks and the business customers they serve also welcome the announcement that a backlog of 900,000 visa applications will also be cleared, with an additional $36 million committed to lift the surge staff capacity to 500 over the next nine months,” Ms Bligh said.
Latest news
Former Federal Finance Minister and Senate Leader, The Hon. Simon Birmingham, will join the Australian Banking Association as Chief Executive Officer. ABA Chair and National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Irvine today announced Mr Birmingham’s appointment, replacing retiring CEO, The Hon. Anna Bligh AC. “We are delighted to have Simon lead our industry and help ensure… Read more »
Rick Hind: Anna Bligh is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association. Welcome back to 105.7 ABC Radio Darwin. Anna Bligh: Good morning, great to be with you. Rick Hind: Is it getting easier to scam people out of money from their bank accounts? Given how good technology is, the scammers seem to have as… Read more »
With end of financial year nearly here, the ABA is reminding customers to be on high alert for scammers looking to steal your hard-earned money. Common EOFY scams to be on the lookout for: ABA CEO Anna Bligh said with the end of financial year approaching, scammers are lining up and looking to cash in…. Read more »