The SBAA is proud to announce Emerson Migration Law as an official sponsor of the 2023 International Small Business Summit.
Emerson Migration Law is a renowned boutique immigration law practice with offices in Brisbane and Sydney, with a sister arm that specialises in family Law. Emersons is committed to fostering a diverse Australian workforce and wants to see legislation and policy reform aimed at improving the migratory process so as to address urgent skills shortages within the Australian Workforce.
The Small Business Association of Australia recently interviewed Aishwarya Somal, Executive Director of Emerson Migration Law to gain insight into what changes she would like to see at both the industry and government level to improve the quality of law services for small business.
CEO & Founder of the Small Business Association, Anne Nalder is pleased to have Emerson Law as a sponsor, saying, “The SBAA is delighted to have the Support of Emerson Law for the 2023 Summit. Their knowledge and expertise in Law will be an invaluable asset to the contributions made towards policy and legislation reform for small business.”
Small businesses are leading drivers of innovation and growth not only within local communities, but also within the national economy. Statistically, 96-99.7% of all businesses in contemporary economies are small businesses meaning they make up the bulk of businesses – globally. Outside of their economic output, small businesses often function as community hubs, employing locally skilled staff and offering diverse opportunities for them to upskill.
“In my practice as the Director of Emerson Migration law, I have personally seen the profound impact which migrant workers make when they are afforded employment opportunities unique to the small business sector.” Stated Somal.
What are the most pressing issues for small business in the Law industry?
Recent changes to the Migration system have introduced a number of unknowns to the Employer sponsored and Business Investment pathways. Small businesses are particularly impacted by these changes, as 33% of small businesses are owned by migrants, and outside of this, they are often a prolific employer of prospective skilled migrant employees. They are further disadvantaged by the advice which has remained in place since the beginning of the pandemic which regarded Business Investment as a non-priority in processing. Many small businesses have expressed concern with the process placing business or employment centred visa applications at the bottom of the processing queue.
The pandemic has led to ongoing, serious shortages of appropriately qualified and skilled workers in a number of industries in Australia. Nearly one third of all sectors in Australia are facing shortages, with this being particularly acute in the health and education industries. It represents the second highest shortage of skilled workers of the 38 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. This is hardest felt by small businesses, which often require especially skilled workers, and do not have the capital to survive worker shortages in the same way industry giants can.
Suggest solutions at Industry and Government level:
The law has often been criticized for its sluggishness in keeping up with the rapidly changing needs of the economy, particularly in the realm of immigration. Global economic dynamics and labour demands shift swiftly, making it crucial for immigration policies to adapt accordingly. However, the legislative processes can be lengthy and cumbersome, hindering the timely implementation of reforms that would address skill shortages and support economic growth through immigration.
At a government level, changes for the processing times for Business Investment and Skilled visas need to occur as soon as possible, to allow Australia’s industries to recover. Small businesses should be celebrated for their continued commitment to upskilling and bringing migrant talent into the Australian workforce. Policy directives which prioritise short term migration schemes over business or employer sponsored migration need to be updated in light of the ongoing shortfalls in staffing.
At an industry level, opponents of migration will often argue that employer sponsored migration is a burden on businesses, which could spent this funding elsewhere. Small businesses within the industry have proven time and time again however, the value these unique jobseekers provide with their perspectives and training from their home countries. Businesses which show continued efforts to support migration should be highlighted and supported to uphold this commitment to a diverse Australian workforce.
What industry and policy or legislative reform would you like to see in the future?
Governments worldwide have recognized the importance of comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform, aiming to address the needs of both migrants and host societies.
One notable improvement has been the establishment of more streamlined and efficient immigration processes, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and long waiting periods for visa applications and residency permits. This approach has facilitated legal migration and provided a clearer pathway for individuals seeking to relocate for various reasons, such as work opportunities or family reunification. A highly skilled local workforce will be important to rebuild the Australian economy, particularly in a time where recession looms.
Speaking on future improvements in policy and legislation, Somal said, “In the future, I would like to see policy shift towards making migration processes efficient, affordable and available for those who seek them.”.
The International Small Business Summit will be held on the 21st & 22nd of September 2023 at Deakin Downtown Tower 2, Level 12, 727 Collins Street, the Docklands, Melbourne Victoria.
