NSW State Migration Plan 2024–2028: Building a Future Together

Vikrant Gungash
13 minutes ago
4 min read

By Vikrant Singh, October 17, 2025

New South Wales (NSW) has long been the beating heart of Australia’s migration story — home to the largest share of migrants in the country and a global magnet for talent, innovation, and opportunity. With the new NSW State Migration Plan 2024–2028, the state is taking bold steps to ensure migration not only continues to fuel its growth but also directly supports its most critical priorities.

Why This Plan Matters

Migration has always been more than just numbers — it’s about people, skills, and the future. NSW’s new plan works hand-in-hand with the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy, focusing on getting migration to work better for the nation and the state.

From building homes to powering the net-zero transition, targeted migration is essential to meet workforce needs, especially where local skills can’t keep up with demand. The plan builds on existing programs and introduces new approaches to support migrants’ success and NSW’s long-term priorities.

Six Critical Skill Areas That Need Migrants

The NSW Skills Plan identifies six sectors where local talent alone cannot meet future demand. Migration will play a pivotal role in filling these gaps:

Sector	Why It Matters
Construction	Essential for delivering major infrastructure and building more homes.
Net Zero & Energy Transition	Key to achieving sustainability goals and modernising energy systems.
Care & Support Economy	Critical for an ageing population and expanding healthcare services.
Digital & Cyber	Drives innovation, digital transformation, and cybersecurity resilience.
Agriculture & Agrifood	Ensures food security and supports export-driven industries.
Advanced Manufacturing	Powers high-value production and boosts economic competitiveness.

Strengthening Regional NSW

Migration isn’t just about Sydney. The plan puts a strong emphasis on region-based skills planning to ensure that migration supports economic growth across all of NSW — from coastal towns to inland hubs.

It also focuses on bolstering essential education and healthcare workforces, particularly in regional areas where shortages are often most acute.

International Students: A Vital Part of the Plan

NSW sees international students not just as learners but as future innovators, professionals, and contributors to the local economy. By attracting and retaining the best and brightest across industries, the state aims to strengthen its domestic skills pipeline and drive long-term prosperity.

Building a Migration System That Works

The plan outlines a shared vision between the NSW and Australian Governments to strengthen the migration system in ways that are practical, fair, and forward-looking:

Boost productivity and close critical skills gaps
Support regional areas with targeted migration
Make the system fast, efficient, and fair for migrants and employers
Promote social cohesion and support family reunification
Address long-term demographic challenges
Align education, training, and migration systems for better outcomes

Smarter Planning, Stronger Outcomes

The migration plan introduces a national multi-year planning model that aligns migration policies across all levels of government. Key actions include:

Strategic attraction and retention programs
Deep consultation with industry and regional stakeholders
Streamlined skills assessment and qualification recognition
Stronger settlement support to help migrants integrate
Improved data-sharing for better decision-making

A Shared Future Built on Inclusion

At its heart, the NSW State Migration Plan is about more than skills — it’s about people. It recognises the importance of social cohesion, community integration, and the vital role migration plays in shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the state.

NSW also acknowledges that all who live and work here do so on the traditional homelands of Aboriginal peoples, paying respect to their enduring connection to land and culture.

The Bottom Line

Migration has always been a cornerstone of NSW’s success — and with this plan, it will become an even more powerful driver of growth, innovation, and resilience. By focusing on the right skills, regions, and support systems, NSW is building a future where migrants and communities thrive together.

The NSW State Migration Plan 2024–2028 is not just about filling jobs — it’s about shaping the future of Australia’s most dynamic state.

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