New Ministerial Directions fast-track skilled-visa decisions for priority sectors
Australia updates Approved Destination Status list for Chinese group visitor visas
Regional tourism warns backpacker-visa ballot will slash seasonal workforce
Latest News
Four-night security strike threatens late-evening operations at Sydney Airport
Security staff employed by Certis will strike at Sydney Airport from 10 pm-1 am for four consecutive nights starting 28 September, protesting pay and job security. While the airport predicts minimal impact, airlines and shippers are bracing for potential late-night delays and knock-on disruptions.
Undeclared $1.3 million gold haul nets Sydney traveller a $259 k bill
ABF officers found 8.5 kg of undeclared gold jewellery in a passenger’s luggage at Sydney Airport, issuing a combined fine and duty bill of A$259,000. The case highlights strict Australian declaration requirements and the compliance risks for travellers carrying high-value personal goods.
Philippine Airlines to launch Manila–Delhi and Manila–Mumbai connections for Australia traffic
From December 2026, Philippine Airlines will fly Manila–Delhi and Manila–Mumbai, with connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The new services give Australian companies and VFR travellers an additional one-stop option to India and expand cargo capacity on the Australia–India trade lane.
Philippine Airlines to link four Australian cities with India via Manila from December
From December 2026 Philippine Airlines will offer Manila–Delhi (3 pw) and Manila–Mumbai (4 pw) flights timed to connect with its Australian network, giving travellers a new one-stop Australia–India option and increasing competition with Singapore, Doha and Dubai hubs.
Podcast puts Australia’s migration economics under the microscope as government flags visa cuts
ABC Business Daily’s 27 September episode delves into the ‘economics of migration’ just as the government signals cuts to student and backpacker visas. Economist Mark Cully warns that indiscriminate reductions could hurt growth and worsen skills shortages, urging data-driven policy. Mobility managers should prepare for tighter caps and longer lead-times.
Record remittances from Australia reignite debate on economic impact of migration
SBS reports migrants sent a record AU $11.6 billion overseas in the past year, sparking debate over whether remittances drain domestic spending or reflect a healthy, tax-paying workforce. Economists say the outflows coincide with labour shortages that still require migration, while critics call for tougher caps. The data will intensify scrutiny of Labor’s new visa policies and could affect workforce planning for employers.
Remittances debate heats up as migrants send A$35 billion home
SBS News reports that migrants transferred about A$35 billion out of Australia last year, fuelling a debate over whether remittances drain the economy or are negligible compared with migrants’ overall contribution. Experts say the outflow is under one per cent of GDP and call for balanced, data-driven policy. Employers should note the link between remittance obligations and employee wellbeing.
ABC Business Daily dissects Labor’s plan to curb visa ‘hopping’ and lower migration
ABC’s Business Daily dedicated its 27 September program to analysing Labor’s new migration plan, focusing on tougher rules for student dependants, a ballot for backpacker visas and a crackdown on rogue agents. Experts warned the measures could squeeze universities and seasonal industries, while business groups urged alternative pathways such as state-nominated visas and PALM workers.