Barriers for Australians coming home from overseas have been highlighted in a report released today by Advance Global Australians.
The Advance Global Australians Report 2025 delves into the experiences, opinion and intentions of Australians living abroad and those who have recently returned home.
The study was conducted by the not-for-profit organisation, Advance Global Australians in partnership with research company, CoreData.
Providing insights across into:
Based on 15-minute surveys and interviews conducted with 500 Australians worldwide from September to October 2024, the report focuses on community engagement and its broader implications for Australians and the nation.
The findings reveal a motivated yet under utilised and undervalued community. While global Australians actively seek to remain engaged, systemic barriers hinder their efforts.
Key findings of the Advance Global Australians Report 2025:
The report also explores Australians’ perceptions and challenges:
Looking ahead to 2030, Australians at home and abroad want the government to prioritise:
“With more than one million Australians living overseas and many playing significant roles worldwide, this report provides valuable insights and highlights untapped opportunities for our country,” said Kate McQuestin, CEO of Advance Global Australians.
“International experiences benefit both individuals and the nation. Going overseas after school or for a career opportunity is not new for Australians and many of us want our children to have the ability to do so. However, we need them to be able to return to a job, affordable housing, and a good quality of life in Australia.
“Our people across the globe should not be ignored. They are an asset and are critical for ensuring Australia’s competitiveness, innovation, and influence in a globalising world.”
“The report clearly shows we need to create clearer pathways for Australians to return, dispel misconceptions and leverage their experiences for the benefit of all Australians.”
“Australians abroad are crucial links and contributors to the growth and global standing of our nation. Their insights and contributions are essential for building a thriving and future-ready nation that leads on the global stage.”
“We are committed to seizing the opportunities highlighted and overcoming the obstacles by connecting, empowering and championing Australians globally. Harnessing this enormous potential, facilitating knowledge sharing and delivering a clearer pathway home for the benefit of all.”
“We aspire to drive greater collaboration among governments, businesses and educational institutions to ensure mutual growth and long-term success for both individuals and the nation,” said McQuestin.
Advance Global Australians has outlined targeted programs, policies, and partnerships to the Australian Government, including reintegration, career advancement, and mentoring programs. The organisation is working with corporate Australia, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities presented in the report.
About Advance Global Australians: Advance Global Australians is a non-partisan, independent, and not-for-profit organisation with a community of 70,000 Australians, including expats, repatriates, and "flex-pats" (Australians based locally but frequently traveling for global roles). Founded in 2002 by then Consul General in New York Ken Allen AO, AGA supports Australians globally through services, events, and opportunities while fostering a network of market intelligence across the world. Membership is free, and the organisation relies on sponsorship, donations, and fundraising to operate.The Advance Global Australian Board and the organisation’s Ambassadors are Australian business leaders and innovators, who volunteer their time across the world to support the organisation, help its members and to advance Australia globally. Advance Global Australians was founded in 2002 by the then Consul General in New York, Ken Allen AO. 2024 is the first year since its inception, Advance Global Australians has not received any funding from the Australian Government. Prime Minister Albanese is its patron as have been all the Prime Ministers since Advance Global Australians was established.