To Skilled Migration Tasmania,

We respectfully request a review of the revised Gold Pass employment requirement for priority occupations, particularly for skilled workers who are subject to lawful visa work restrictions.

We recognise and appreciate the purpose behind the recent changes to Tasmania’s Skilled Migration Program. Ensuring that Gold Pass candidates demonstrate genuine employment, strong workforce attachment, and a genuine intention to remain in Tasmania is a reasonable and important objective. Tasmania needs a migration system that supports long-term settlement and attracts people who will continue contributing to the state.

However, we respectfully raise a concern that the increase of the Gold Pass employment requirement from 20 hours per week to 30 hours per week may unintentionally disadvantage a group of workers who Tasmania most needs to retain — skilled professionals working in priority occupations such as nursing, allied health and teaching.

Many of these individuals are not falling short because of a lack of commitment, work ethic, or connection to Tasmania. They are unable to meet the 30-hour requirement because their ability to work additional hours is restricted by federal visa conditions that are outside their control.

These workers have made Tasmania their chosen place to live, work and build their future. They have integrated into Tasmanian workplaces, gained local experience, supported essential services, and contributed to communities across the state. In many cases, they are filling workforce needs in sectors where Tasmania continues to experience shortages.

The current Gold Pass criteria may unintentionally create a situation where Tasmania loses exactly the skilled workers it has worked hard to attract. Many individuals affected by visa work restrictions are now reconsidering Tasmania as a migration destination because they fear that, despite working in priority occupations and contributing to the state, they may no longer have a realistic pathway to nomination before their visas expire.

This creates a risk of skilled workforce movement back to mainland states, where these professionals may seek alternative opportunities and pathways. The consequence could be a loss of trained healthcare and education workers who are already familiar with Tasmania’s systems, workplaces and communities.

We respectfully submit that genuine commitment to Tasmania should be assessed through a broader and more balanced consideration of factors, including:

* Working in a recognised priority occupation;
* Maintaining consistent employment and contributing to Tasmania’s workforce;
* Demonstrating long-term intention to remain in Tasmania;
* Building professional and community connections; and
* Complying with all Australian visa requirements.

A person’s inability to work 30 hours per week due to a legal visa restriction should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment or workforce contribution.

We respectfully request that Skilled Migration Tasmania consider:

* Allowing candidates in priority occupations who are affected by visa work restrictions to remain eligible for consideration under the Gold Pass pathway when they meet all other requirements;
* Recognising that federally imposed work limitations should not create an unintended disadvantage under Tasmania’s state nomination system; and
* Developing a balanced approach that protects the integrity of the Gold Pass while ensuring Tasmania does not lose skilled professionals in critical workforce areas.

This request is not seeking reduced standards or preferential treatment. It is seeking a fair and practical solution that aligns Tasmania’s migration objectives with the realities faced by skilled workers who are legally restricted in their employment capacity.

Tasmania’s strength depends not only on attracting skilled workers, but also on retaining those who have already chosen Tasmania, invested in its communities, and are contributing to its future.

A migration pathway that recognises these circumstances will provide confidence to skilled workers, strengthen Tasmania’s essential services, and support the state’s long-term workforce needs.

We respectfully ask Skilled Migration Tasmania to review this matter and consider a fair pathway that ensures Tasmania remains an attractive destination for the skilled professionals it needs most.