Australian PR agencies must use the power of creativity to adapt to the 457 visa changes
The changes to the 457 visa will undoubtedly have a seismic effect on Australia’s PR industry. In order to adapt, employers must use their creative powers to discover new channels of home-grown talent, writes Annalise Brown.
It’s been over a month since the requirements surrounding the 457 visa were changed. Being one of the industries immediately affected, there’s been speculation on what the impact to talent within the PR and wider marketing industry will be. One side is adamant the change hurts the growth of our industry, the other is excited for a greater focus on our home-grown talent.
Change is nothing new. Over the past decade, our businesses have undergone significant evolution. We’re built to be highly adaptable, resilient and tenacious individuals. We pursue opportunity with each change that comes our way. Our perspective on the 457 visa changes should be no different.
Previously, we’ve been spoilt by a rich tapestry of international talent attracted to the Australian lifestyle. We’ve been fortunate enough to lure some of the world’s most highly sought after individuals to our industry. However, could it now also be the time for us to look deeper into what our local market has to offer?
The answer to this seems self-evident to me. If the industry had closer ties with the universities and other institutes in Australia that teach PR/ communication then that would ensure future students know where the jobs are, and employers would have a much better grasp of what is being taught and the quality of the graduates.