How the government plans to boost regions

Skilled workers will be able to apply for permanent residency if they live and work in regional areas for three years, in a bid to lure migrants from cities.

HOW IS THE GOVERNMENT LURING MIGRANTS TO THE REGIONS?

There will be 23,000 extra regional visa spots, which require skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for three years before they can apply for permanent residency.

The employer-nominated stream of the visa will have 9000 places, while the state and territory-nominated scheme will have 14,000 spots.

The government is using permanent residency as the bait to ensure skilled workers stay in regional Australia, with a 99 per cent compliance rate in an existing scheme.

Workers will be able to move around regional Australia, but can't settle in major cities. The government is putting $7 million towards compliance, ensuring people abide by the rules.

WHAT ABOUT STUDENTS?

Across four years, a total of 4720 Australian and international students will be able to vie for $15,000 scholarships to study in regional areas.

International students studying at regional universities will also get an extra year in Australia on a post-study work visa.