New pilot scheme to attract global talent to Aussie startups goes live

The federal government’s new Global Talent Scheme, designed to attract skilled workers to startups in Australia, launched yesterday for a one-year trial period.

The scheme allows technology-based and STEM-related startups to sponsor overseas employees with specialised skills, although the startups will still have to demonstrate they prioritise the employment of Australian citizens.

Announced in March, the scheme came as a response to concerns around the government’s tightening of the 457 visa requirements for skilled workers, which reduced the number of eligible occupations for visas, and introduced stricter English language tests.