Spectrum supports Activate Australia’s Skills campaign

Activate Australia’s Skills

At Spectrum, we are proud to support Activate Australia’s Skills, a campaign led by Settlement Services International (SSI). This important campaign brings together businesses, unions, social services, and community organisations to improve how skills and qualifications from overseas are recognised in Australia. The goal is to address the critical shortages affecting our communities, families, and workplaces.

The campaign’s Blueprint outlines four key changes needed before the next election:

· One national system to manage skills recognition, with an Ombudsman for fairness.

· Simpler processes with less paperwork and red tape.

· Financial support and clear information to remove barriers, including an easy-to-use online portal.

· Migrant employment pathways hubs, with support from Skills Recognition Navigators to help skilled migrants return to their professions.

Through our work at Spectrum, we see the struggles faced by skilled migrants and refugees every day. Many arrive with dreams of a better life, only to find that their qualifications and professional experience are not recognised in Australia.

We help them explore pathways to their careers, but the cost of retraining—alongside the need to provide for their families—often forces them to take lower-paid jobs, such as cleaning, warehouse work, or manual labour.

This is a loss for Australia. Skilled professionals like doctors, nurses, and engineers could be making a huge difference in our communities.

We believe it’s time for change. We encourage our friends and partners to support this campaign.

Here’s how you can help:

• Watch this campaign video to learn more.
• Sign the open letter to show your support.
• Share the campaign with your networks and encourage others to get involved.

Let’s work together to create a fairer and more inclusive Australia.