Advance Global Australians is urging employers and recruiters to recognise and harness the skills of Australians abroad and returning talent, as the nation faces critical workforce shortages.
The call comes as the latest AHRI Quarterly Australian Work Outlook reveals that 60% of Australian employers plan to recruit migrant workers in 2025 to fill pressing skills gaps. The report highlights significant demand for high-skilled (37%), medium-skilled (29%), and low-skilled (16%) workers across industries, with public sector employers (81%) leading overseas recruitment efforts, followed by the voluntary (63%) and private (55%) sectors.
Despite this, the 2025 Global Australian Report highlights that Australians living and working overseas remain an overlooked talent pool—even as they express a strong desire to return home.
The Workforce Challenge: Why Returning Australians Are Key
“95% of Australians abroad want to return home, but only 15% have concrete plans due to limited pathways. Meanwhile, 51% are actively seeking information on job opportunities, openings, and career transitions in Australia—an untapped resource that recruiters and employers should be leveraging,” says Advance Global Australians CEO, Kate McQuestin.
“We are contacted daily by skilled Australians abroad who want to return but face barriers—or who have returned, only to find that recruiters don’t value their overseas experience.”
Advance Global Australians, a not-for-profit organisation, is committed to connecting, empowering, and championing Australians worldwide. With a global network of over 70,000 Australians across diverse industries, the organisation fosters professional growth, cultural connections, and career reintegration support for those returning home.
A Balanced Approach to Workforce Recruitment
“Australia’s one million-strong diaspora represents a vast, skilled workforce that remains deeply connected to the nation,” McQuestin states. “To address Australia’s workforce challenges, a balanced recruitment strategy is essential—one that leverages both international talent and the returning Australian workforce.”
“There is an opportunity to expand pathways for returning Australians. Organisations that establish clear career transition programs and hiring incentives for Australians re-entering the local job market will attract this talent pool.”
“As a not-for-profit, we are deeply committed to connecting Australian talent abroad and supporting their seamless reintegration back home.”
The Case for Policy Change and Employer Engagement
“Our report clearly shows a need for clearer pathways for Australians to return, and the AHRI Quarterly Australian Work Outlook reinforces the business case for their return,” McQuestin explains.
“With the right government policies, incentives, and employer engagement, returning Australians could fill workforce gaps while bringing global expertise back home.”
“Australia’s global talent is not just an asset to the nation—it is a critical driver of our future prosperity. If we don’t take this issue seriously and address it with a clear workforce strategy, we will simply fall behind.”
“We aspire to drive greater collaboration between governments, businesses, and educational institutions to ensure mutual growth and long-term success—for individuals and for the nation.”
Advance Global Australians: Strengthening Australia’s Global Influence
In 2025, Advance Global Australians is implementing a strategic framework to connect, support, and empower Australians abroad while enhancing Australia’s global competitiveness.
Advance Global Australians is actively seeking support from government, businesses, and individuals to address the challenges and opportunities outlined in the 2025 Global Australian Report.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Advance relies on sponsorships, donations, and fundraising to continue its mission.
Membership is free, ensuring all Australians abroad can stay connected and supported.
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