Due to border closures under the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia's net migration has dropped to negative levels not seen since World War Two.
From a migrant family and of Greek-Australian origin, Mr Hawke says migration will be a key aspect of Australia's recovery from the pandemic.
A parliamentary Committee has recommended that reviews are conducted into the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, with a hope to expanding the number of occupations to better reflect the urgent skills shortages in the context of pandemic recovery.
The report recommends civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanics, cooks, carpenters, electricians, health, trades and a range of jobs in agriculture and manufacturing should be added.
Mr Hawke says the government is focused on filling labour shortages for small businesses in Australia.
Australia has also seen a decrease in international student arrivals - by 99 per cent since 2020, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Pre-pandemic, international students and tourists were Australia's fourth-largest export after iron ore, coal and gas.
Mr Hawke indicated international students and tourists would be given priority once international borders open.
