But if you’re a migrant with top qualifications from abroad, you might still get passed over. Not because you’re less capable… but because your degree isn’t ‘local’ enough, your accent doesn’t ‘fit’, or your face doesn’t ‘look like’ the team they’re used to. Sound unfair? It is. And it’s not just about one job; it’s about losing out on the skills, perspectives, and energy that migrants bring to the table. When public services don’t reflect the people they serve, trust fades. Innovation slows. And the system gets weaker. The solution? Clearer recognition of overseas qualifications. Training to tackle unconscious bias. And real data; not just promises; to track who’s actually getting hired. Because diversity isn’t a checkbox. It’s a strength. And Australia’s public sector could be stronger than ever… if it actually lets talented migrants in.