Survey Shows Expats Shunning SA as Premier Jay Weatherill Demands New State Image

Former Austrade Chief Economist and author Tim Harcourt said the often-lamented brain drain from South Australia could play in the state's favour.

Mr Harcourt, who grew up in Adelaide and has visited 56 countries, has been appointed an adviser on international engagement by Premier Jay Weatherill. The role involves attracting more tourists and migrants to SA

Mr Harcourt said he was not concerned with halting the brain drain of young people.

"They're global and they're connected, so rather than beat the drum for everyone to repatriate, they choose for their own personal reasons to stay offshore," he said.

"So rather than think about it as a brain drain, think about it as a brain gain. If a South Australian is the head of The Times or vice-chancellor at Oxford University, that's terrific."

Mr Harcourt, who has lived in the UK, Israel, Peru and Italy, said his priorities in the job would be to build an "economic narrative" for the state, create a better-connected expat community and boost SA's exposure in international media.

To read more visit: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/south-australians-should-work-overseas/story-e6frea83-1226351397775