With Australia's population has hit 25-million and 87 per cent of skilled migrants choosing to settle in Melbourne and Sydney, the government says it wants to spread new arrivals across the country.
With Australia's population nearing 25-million ((due Tuesday night - check wires for update)), and 87 per cent of skilled migrants choosing to settle in Melbourne and Sydney, the government says it wants to spread new arrivals across the country.
Speaking from Melbourne, Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge says many regional areas and some states, such as South Australia, desperately want workers.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been in discussion with the government about occupations that should be available to regional employers wishing to sponsor skilled migrants.
Its Chief Executive, James Pearson, says regional employers are finding it harder to fill vacancies due to cuts in the number of occupations listed for visas.
C-E-O of the Settlement Council of Australia, Nick Tebbey, says rural and regional Australia offers a wealth of opportunities for migrants.
But he says migrants aren't being informed of what is on offer outside the big cities.
For months the federal government has been building a case to impose much stricter conditions on skilled visa-holders, referring often to a desire to force people to spend far more time in regional centres.
Mr Tebbey is reluctant to suggest tighter visa conditions are the answer.
He believes that with proper support and a commitment to improving infrastructure, transport and economic opportunities, the government can ensure the retention of migrants in regional locations.
The Regional Australia Institute is pleased the federal government is looking at the issue.
Its Chief Executive, Jack Archer, wants workforce shortages in rural areas to be made a priority for skilled migration.
He says the country needs to get better at identifying skilled migrants who want to make the regions their home long-term.
He says changes to the migration system should include activating local communities so they are part of helping migrants settle and integrate.
He believes that would help migrants lay down roots outside the cities.
