From yesterday’s Herald-Sun: just what Australia doesn’t need – more people!
Skilled migration scheme expands
February 18, 2008 12:00 a.m.
The Federal Government is to expand the skilled migration program.
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Evans said the government aimed to increase the program by 6000 places in 2007-08, bringing the total number of visas to 108,500.
“Employer-sponsored visas are the highest priority because they put a migrant worker directly into a skilled job,” Senator Evans said.
The minister yesterday unveiled a package of measures designed to address the nation’s skills and labour shortages.
The government will also work to expand the working holiday visa program for young people.
Senator Evans said the package had the potential to provide thousands of additional workers in the short term and would help address inflationary pressures.
This while every month, it seems, some company closes down leaving hundreds of workers unemployed (recent examples being a steel mill and a car manufacturer).
