Australian Leaders Prefer Sustained Skilled Immigration

21 Jul 2010

Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard said that Australia strongly needs to maintain a sustained rate of immigration in order to benefit the economy of the nation, but she is definitely not in favor of big Australia. Gillard wants to have a steady and sustained rate of immigration to ensure economic success of the country. Rudd was in favor of ‘Big Australia’ and called for changes in Australian immigration rules which had led to a total Australian population of 35.9 million by 2050. As per the breaking down of figures of ‘Big Australia’ introduced by Mr.Rudd, the total annual growth rate of immigration comes just to 1.2 percent and this growth rate of immigration is even below the actual growth rate of immigration in Australia over the last 40 years.

A study revealed that immigration is not a threat to the Australians as is the belief of few Australians. On the contrary, immigration in Australia helps in increasing the demand for several commodities and housing within the nation which results in proper management of the available resources within the nation. Moreover, immigrants fill the gap of shortage in workforce especially in mining sector.

Several major businesses in Australia are reportedly cautioning on imminent signs of looming skills shortage in Australia in the coming times if immigration for prospective immigrants is not worked properly.

Heather Rideout, Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group, stated that shortage of skilled workers in the country would seriously affect Australian businesses and economic development of Australia.