As the 100th organisation to join a growing alliance of businesses, unions and NFPs calling for a reform of the overseas skills recognition system, Orygen pushes for better youth mental health care.
Settlement Services International (SSI) recently announced that Orygen has joined its Activate Australia’s Skills campaign, highlighting the critical need for reform to address workforce shortages, particularly in mental health and psychiatry.
“There are severe shortages of psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health professionals across the country,” said Professor Patrick McGorry AO, Orygen Executive Director. “These skills shortages only exacerbate the mental health crisis facing young people in Australia. Everyone misses out when qualified migrants face unnecessary barriers to getting their skills recognised and working in their fields.”
According to McGorry, some qualified migrants already in the country can help meet the diverse needs of multicultural Australia.
“Not addressing these issues means we are entering a dangerous phase for mental health in young people and for all Australians in the broader mental health system,” he added.
The alliance partners of Activate Australia’s Skills campaign have doubled from 50 in October 2024 to 100 in just over six months, demonstrating growing consensus for reforming the country’s outdated system for recognising overseas-acquired skills and qualifications. These partners include industry bodies, businesses, trade unions, think tanks and community organisations.
“The fact that we have seen so many organisations join the campaign in such a short period demonstrates overwhelming support from every sector. If we activate Australia’s skills, everyone wins,” said Violet Roumeliotis AM, SSI CEO.
The campaign calls on the federal government to implement the following key skills recognition reforms:
- Establish a national governance system for recognising all overseas skills and qualifications, including an Ombudsman with regulatory power to provide independent oversight and transparency.
- Create a seamless process with greater national consistency and reduced red tape.
- Provide financial support for individuals to remove cost barriers and an online portal to inform people about what they need to do.
- Set up migrant employment pathway hubs with skills recognition navigators to get qualified people working in their professions again.
Read also: $17.2M boost for youth mental health programs aid work and study
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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