Kath Baird, Anmac’s Director of Skilled Migration Services, congratulates report authors
The University of Sydney's Migration, Mobility and Australia's Healthcare Workforce report closely aligns with research being undertaken by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (Anmac) to better understand the lived experiences of nurses, midwives and direct care workers migrating to Australia. Together, the evidence highlights that people-centred migration policies lead to stronger outcomes for migrants, employers, the health workforce and Australia as a whole.
Rather than viewing migrants solely as workers, both studies show that long-term success is shaped by a broader set of factors, including family wellbeing, community connection, belonging, career development and quality of life. While 90% of migrant nurses secure permanent employment (Anmac Longitudinal Survey, May 2026), retention and satisfaction are strongly influenced by experiences beyond the workplace. Both reports show that policy certainty, inclusive workplaces and strong community networks are essential. Family considerations, experiences of discrimination and a sense of belonging all influence decisions to stay in Australia.
A people-centred approach recognises these realities by integrating migration, workforce and settlement policies. By supporting migrants to build stable, connected and meaningful lives, Australia can improve wellbeing, strengthen workforce retention and maximise the long-term benefits of skilled migration.
Kath Baird, Anmac’s Director of Skilled Migration Services, congratulates Alexandra Block and Leah Williams Veazey on their dedication to advancing this important research and looks forward to working together to support better outcomes for migrants, employers and the Australian community.