February 18, 2008
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.
Another measure will be the establishment of an external reference group to review the effectiveness of the skilled migration program.
Senator Evans said the group, made up of industry experts, would report to him by March 14 and provide a final report in April.
The panel will be chaired by Xstrata Australia chairman Peter Coates, a former head of the Minerals Council of Australia.
It will include Melinda Cilento, deputy head of the Business Council of Australia, and Tim Shanahan, former head of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.
"The group will provide me with specific advice on ways to ensure the temporary work visa system, also known as the subclass 457 visa program, operates as effectively as possible in contributing to the supply of skilled labour."
Senator Evans said the package had the potential to provide thousands of additional workers in the short term and would help address inflationary pressures.
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.
Another measure will be the establishment of an external reference group to review the effectiveness of the skilled migration program.
Senator Evans said the group, made up of industry experts, would report to him by March 14 and provide a final report in April.
The panel will be chaired by Xstrata Australia chairman Peter Coates, a former head of the Minerals Council of Australia.
It will include Melinda Cilento, deputy head of the Business Council of Australia, and Tim Shanahan, former head of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.
"The group will provide me with specific advice on ways to ensure the temporary work visa system, also known as the subclass 457 visa program, operates as effectively as possible in contributing to the supply of skilled labour."
Senator Evans said the package had the potential to provide thousands of additional workers in the short term and would help address inflationary pressures.