Australia no longer needs you...
So the reverberations of Australia's economic slowdown are to be felt 10,000 miles away in Britain, among the bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and other people with trades who had considered heading down under to ride out the global financial crisis.
During the boom times, when skills shortages were the main brake on Australia's fast-paced growth, UK and other foreign skilled workers were targeted by successive Aussie governments.
Now, with unemployment reaching a near four-year high, they are being told they are surplus to requirements. The government says that Australian workers should not have to compete with their foreign counterparts.
The announcement obviously confirms what we have known since before Christmas: that Australia does not offer a safe haven from the worldwide downturn.
It is the first time in a decade that immigration has been cut - the skilled migration programme intake will be reduced from 133,500 to 115,000 - a 14% reduction.
Bricklayers, plumbers, welders, carpenters and metal fitters are no longer required, but Australia still needs doctors, nurses, engineers and IT specialists. You can read the ministerial statement here.
The changes come into immediate effect. If your application is pending then it will no longer be considered. If you are already in Australia, and have a skilled working visa it is still valid. If your visa is about to expire then your best hope of staying in Australia, I'm told by the Department of Immigration, is to seek sponsorship from your present employer. The Department can provide more specific information.
Immigration policy has long occupied a central place in Australian political life. After Federation, the Australian parliament's first piece of legislation was the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901, which became the cornerstone of the White Australia policy.
Net overseas migration has increased massively over the past 15 years or so, from 30,000 in 1992-93 to over 175,000 in 2006-7.
And although the former prime minister, John Howard, prospered politically by sounding tough on immigration - back during the "Tampa election" of 2001 when he famously commented: "We will decide who comes to this country, and the circumstances under which they come" - the number of new arrivals showed a big increase during his 11 years in office.
Cutting immigration will likely prove a popular move from the Rudd government, and has already been welcomed by the unions.
To disappointed Brits, the Australians could point to the recent actions of the Brown government which placed new restrictions on professionals from India and other non-EU countries.
I'm 
© 2012~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~28~RS~)
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Australia again takes sensible action to protect itself and its people from more adverse effects of the global downturn.
Isolation or protectionism is the only way to protect yourself from your neighbours' chronic diseases. This is vital when you already have a very bad cold yourself.
Sad that about the bank going into official administration.
However have you noticed that with all the banking difficulties in the UK, the Clydesdale Bank which is a subsidiary of an Australian grouping, has not required UK governemt assistance to keep trading ?
Yet again it shows that Australia's systems and supervision methods are far more responsible that anything Westminster has yet to enforce.
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"Isolation or protectionism is the only way to protect yourself from your neighbours' chronic diseases".
Only if you're fully capable of surviving in isolation for as long as you need; with enough domestic supply on all fronts and a large and happy enough domestic market to buy. This applies to labour as well as goods and services.
Australia doesn't even have enough *water*, let alone a fully self-supporting goods and labour ecosystem. This is a cheap political stunt that will hurt overall employment within a year.
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Hi Nick,
I practice as a Registered Australian Migration Agent in the UK. I think you have not fully understood the implications of the CSL list changes.
People are still wanted under GSM (General Skilled Migration) and those people who are affected by this change will only be slowed down in getting their visas granted - not dropped off the list and no longer wanted in Australia as you seem to imply.
The changes are a 14 per cent cut in the 2008-09 permanent skilled migration program intake [from 133 500 to 115 000], and changes to the Critical Skills List (CSL).
CSL affects speed of processing the application only. It does not affect eligibility. If you qualify as a migrant it is still in your best interesst to apply to migrate rather than be shocked by blogs such as yours into doing nothing and NEVER being able to migrate to Australia.
If a potential migrant has the required skill set and qualifications they will still get into Australia. Some of the processing times will be slower that is all.
There is still a Migration occupations in demand list (MODL) which targets occupations that Australia will suffer without. Migrants bring untold benefits to the AUstralian economy, in good economic times and bad!
This announcement by the minister also means that the various States and Territories within Australia will be able to sponsor migrants to their State and this will increase individual State's uptake of targeted occupations. This is a good thing for places like Adelaide SA, rural parts of NSW, QLD, WA and NT. Tasmania and ACT will also benefit hugely.
People who think they are affected by this should take the advice of a qualified migration agent - a list is available at www.themara.com.au
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Homophone corner: "brake" not "break" in 2nd para
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Nick,
Your article is based on the Minister's Press Release - which is not the complete story.
The Critical Skills List merely provides for certain skilled occupations to be processed as a priority. Removal from that list doesn't stop skilled individuals applying for a visa - and doesn't alter their eligibility for a visa one jot.
Indeed, many trade skills occupations continue to be identified as required in the States and Territories, meaning that Sponsorship can be contemplated. And State/Territory Sponsored visas are processed even more quickly than applications where the occupation is on the CSL.
So to say "Bricklayers, plumbers, welders, carpenters and metal fitters are no longer required ..." is clearly incorrect.
Further, the amended 2009/10 skilled migration program is still intended to deliver more visas than in the year to 30th June 2008.
Best regards.
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Perhaps the UK should now consider limits on the numbers of highly skilled Australian barmen in the UK! Seriously though in the organisation that I work for in a team of 30 we have 6 antipodean accountants. Why the hell do we need to employ accountants from down under? Are they any better than UK accountants - I don't think so. British jobs for British workers! G'day cobbler!
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It was an inevitable move by the Australian government, and one that had been broadcast for some months.
I have lived in Australia for the last twenty years or so, having migrated from the UK back in 1988, and am currently visiting the UK. Things definitely seem bleaker here, but Australia has certainly not remained untouched.
Although none of the major banks have needed saving (yet), the Rudd government has still launched a number of financial rescue packages to stimulate the economy (including a A$13 billion bail out for the automotive industry). This has pretty much decimated the A$20 billion surplus that Labour inherited from the Howard government, and Australia is now heading into deficit.
Unemployment is rising, and according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics currently stands at 5.2%.
As hard as it will be for many people that are planning to 'move to a better life', Australia had little choice but to go down this path. I would also imagine that it will get worse before it improves.
Nick Lazar.
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I'm an Australian living in the UK, who is trying to renew my visa, but may have to do so under the new rules which require a masters degree. If I don't qualify then I will be required to leave the country.
What I would like to see from both countries is an undertaking to accept renewals under the same rules as the original visa was granted. This would give security to those who genuinely help the host countries economy. The current approach is to use people while the going is good, and give them the flick the moment they are not required.
Involuntarily moving countries is a major hardship for the person involved and should not be the reward for contributing positively to the host country. It can also cause a problem for their employers who have to take the time to find new staff.
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Skilled and other immigration should be cut back much more than 14%, not just to protect Australian jobs. Many Australian employers find it easier and cheaper to import skilled labour rather than offer apprenticeships or meaningful adult re-training. Large scale immigration in recent years has also contributed to a housing shortage, inflated house prices and the high cost of rental accommodation in the major cities. We need time to catch up with existing demand.
Regarding 'newsjock's' comment about 'Babcock and Brown' they were not really a bank-just a highly geared investment company that bit off more than it could chew, was exposed by the GFD and whose top executives gouged enormous salary packages during the past few years.
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I love the term 'non-EU countries'. From my experience, many people in the UK really don't understand that whenever kneejerk changes are made to immigration rules for non-EU arrivals to the UK, usually following some public outcry directed at Poles and other EU immigrants, that Australians too are affected as they are non-EU. Instead of singling out India, it can be stated that: 'To disappointed Brits, the Australians could point to the recent actions of the Brown government which placed new restrictions on professionals from Australia and other non-EU countries'. So no need for Brits to be disappointed as the Australian government's actions seem to be quite reciprocal.
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Mr Bryant has seriously misinterpreted the Immigration Minister’s statement regarding the Australian CSL list.
To clarify: the Critical Skills List (CSL) is a list of occupations which are given priority processing; The CSL is NOT the same as the Skilled Occupation List for General Skilled Migration and as such, removal of an occupation from the CSL does NOT impact on an applicant’s eligibility to emigrate; it only affects the processing time of the application.
In short, while it remains the case that revision of the CSL will serve to lengthen processing times for those skills affected – as they would no longer be receiving priority processing - it does not mean that the affected trades are no longer wanted; to imply such is both inaccurate and irresponsible.
Individuals should also be aware that it is possible to avoid the potential delays associated with non-CSL visa grants by applying for a State or employer sponsored visa instead, as these visas will continue to receive priority attention.
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Another piece of reporting to stir up hysteria and not explain the process of migration.
I have just returned from Australia last week and have today submitted a skilled independent visa.
To hear this today having spent nearly £5,000 on a move down under to date was disheartening. I am so pleased we are using an agent in London who has had a very bust morning with all his clients due to the way this has been reported.
Visa's are still available to all migrants, all this means is that processing will now take a little longer if you occupation is not on the CSL.
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Well..sure enough... for a PM is to see that the countrie's citizens and residents get a job and then what is left is for the foreigner or migrant workers... During hard time every single job counts and every single penny also counts... One thing is being nice and generous and another thing is being silly and careless... When a country faces trouble it is hard for each and everyone... including the migrant workers..and migrant workers need to understand that they are simply that migrant workers..with little guarantee and security...
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I think it's the sensible thing to do! Just put migration/immigration on a temp. hold for certain skills. It's important to get your own population back to work during this economic meltdown. US has been critised for taking a somewhat protectionist stance, too. Nothing wrong with it in the short term.
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This was a wise thing to do. We need to train up the young in trade jobs, as the older ones are tiring. Get the youth off the streets with their violence and drinking. Teach them how to earn a living and to live decent lives instead of just how to open a bottle and fill out a fortnightly form. Aust has enough people to work, there are jobs available, ths situation needed to be reigned in. I was in Europe last year and people were complaining about - well differennt races taking jobs- EU passport holders especially, why are we so different why should we just have an open - here you are policy. No fairs fair. PS Nick, I give you a hand shake. I usually bawl you out but not today.
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john howard, (the ex-queens man in Oz) skills based immigration program (requirements) always was a pathetic attempt to exclude non anglo's without trying to appear openly racist, Basically its a disgrace that in the 21st century 30% of the countries immigrants still come from a mid sized european country located on the other side of the planet, The last thing Australia needs is more poms we need a balanced immigration program which focuses on talent from countries relevant to our future.
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I am an immigrant in Australia and my job could potentially be done by an Australian.
In the last seven days I have spent money in at least seven shops in Australia. I also went our for a few drinks in an Australian bar. I bought Australian petrol, Australian theatre tickets, Australian lunch during the week and an Australian breakfast at the weekend. I paid for Australian buses, Australian trains and an Australian taxi ride. I played an Australian CD, and I watch Australian television. I bank with an Australian bank, and my super goes into an Australian super fund. Oh, and I paid my Australian tax as well.
All these things provide a bit of employment for someone in Australia. If you add it all up it might well provide a job for the Australian that does not have my job. So the more people there are in Australia, the more bits of employment they provide.
In fact, given that most developed countries have unemployment rates below, say, 10%, and that this applies to small and big countries alike, you can argue that every immigrant creates roughly one extra job in their host country.
Of course there are mismatches between the skills required and the skills available. And it is not unreasonable for a government to try to match supply and demand through its immigration policies. And if the latest announcement of the government is indeed that, that is fine.
But it is foolish to think that you can resolve unemployment by an overall cap on immigration.
Now of course you can have other things against immigrants. You may not like our food, our religion, our culture or our looks. If so, please say so, rather than claiming that we occupy your job.
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This decision is not aimed solely at the British. God forbid! It's aimed solely at protecting the livelihood of Australian Citizens which is the main responsibility of the Australian government. Stop whining about protectionism; in times of national crisis that's all our government should be concerned about. Those people that are here and are not permanent residents should be removed when their visas expire. Our government should worry only about our citizens.
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Is there an echo in here? Unlikely number of new commenters in this post, all happening to advocate the use of migration agents and pushing the same 'apply anyway, you'll get in eventually' line.
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@ #19
Governments should worry about more than just their own citizens - they need to worry about everything including trade, foreign relations and global economies. All of these issues affect their own citizens.
Protectionist stances may work in certain isolated cases, but this is not the case here. Most governments of the world have recently come to realise that much of what happens locally depends on what happens globally - perhaps this is a new era of global reliance. I expect more involvement of international entities in the operation of local economies in the future to manage any further reoccurrence of global financial difficulties.
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Wjburt and OiOiOi2, you both seem to have major British sized chips on your shoulders.
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Some generally sensible comments above. Seems to me that the point at which there becomes real competition between Australian citizens and immigrants brought in specifically to fill skills shortages is something the Aust Govt has a responsibility to avoid.
I say generally sensible....
#16 I don't really think there are enough drunk teenagers (yet) to fill these roles.
#19 Wjburt. Are you mad? Send people home as soon as their Visa's expire? "I'm sorry Sir, we can't carry out your second round of Cancer surgery as Dr Neuhaus got sent back to Germany". Yes very sensible (and not just because I'll be affected by your policy if I stay long enough!)
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Immigration is actually good for the Australian economy. It creates jobs. I think we need to remember we're talking about skilled workers, not about people with little or no qualifications. Also, saying we should have a blanket ban or cap on immigration during recessions just won't work. There may be little or no correlation between those being made redundant and the areas in which we need skilled workers.
Also, sending non permanent residents home when their visas expire is just plain stupid. It generally takes about a year and a half to fully train a new employee (ie. getting used to the organisation etc) so to send these people home will just make the situation worse. We have a points based visa system. If people pass the test, they get in. seems fair.
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Ummm...... All of you are missing something.
Yes Rudd did decide to cut his immigration intake target by 14% - but he had already increased the target from the previous year by more than that.
2007-08:
Family – 49,870
Skilled – 108,540
Total – 158,630
2008-09 (as originally announced):
Family – 56,500
Skilled – 133,500
Total – 190,300
So basically losing the 14% from the skilled category still leaves us with an overall figure of *drum roll* 171,800 (not including refugees or New Zealanders) and that happens to be an increase of over 13,000 places from the last time. Talk about scare mongering.
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I am very relieved to have read some of the posts I had just read Nick Bryants article and b4 I had a look at the blog rang my girlfriend and told her " we aint goin 2 Oz anymore" .
I lodged my skilled migration visa a month ago. Im an electrician so the article made me physically sick, after all the hassle,time and effort that went into acquiring the documentation.
To find out now that it shall only be delayed is a relieve but i think its an absolute disgrace for a journalist to have misunderstood the ministerial statement so much, the BBC should in fact remove his article to avoid anymore unnecessary confusion.
Can anybody give me an idea how long it will actually take now for my visa to come through roughly speaking of course, keeping in mind im an electrician in my mid 20's and have lodged the visa in feb and emigrating with my fiance and child.
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Hi All,
What is the situation with regular jobs such as retail, insurance etc... Is there work for a working holiday maker?
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this article has angered me to the extent I felt I should comment and signed up to this blog!
It is absolutely true what many people say that Nick Bryant's article is badly researched and scare mongering. The critical skills list was only introduced on Jan 1st 09 so most people that now find themselves on this list and prioritised had already submitted applications prior to 2009, their applications will still be processed just not as quickly. The CSL is merely a number of jobs that have been pulled out of the main recognised skill list for priority processing to address immediate skills shortages.
Of course it is sensible for any country to assess its areas of need and respond accordingly and the fact that the government is attempting to do this is commendable. If the British government would do the same then the UK wouldn't be in such a desparate state. Those bloggers however that believe throwing people out once their visas expire seem somewhat naive and may change their thinking once the healthcare system and IT industry collapse in response to their well informed policy! Australia is a country like most that is partly dependent on goods and skills from overseas so to isolate and protect is again naive and also somewhat prehistoric.
Anyone who has not been through such a process as emigrating cannot understand the cost and frustration involved. I have much time in Australia, love the country and the people and have been gearing to emigrate for the last 5 years. I applied for my permanent residency visa in july 08 and once complete will have cost me around 3500-4000 pounds of which 2000 has been spent so far and I don't even have a case officer. If anyone thinks that getting into Australia is easy then think again, I am an experienced registered architect with 2 degrees, money in the bank, property to sell and many friends and family in Australia.... this is not a quick fix nor something to do on a whim. There are 300-400 jobs advertised in Australia for architects currently many of which are for my specialisation, healthcare, yet still no visa!
to blogger 25: totally true
to blogger 26: see my time line also send a black email to [Personal details removed by Moderator] and you'll get the current processing details
This article should be removed. As a british tax/licence payer we pay for the bbc and the thought that such ill researched rubbish is being published is shocking.
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Nick:
As posted in the earlier postings! About Australia, is in the correct direction about the sensible way they are going in regards to protect their economy when it is in the hard times...
~Dennis Junior~
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Paul #23. Did Dr Neuhaus get sent home or was there intervention to prevent that happening????Hmmmm Dr Neuhaus. And we have our own brilliant medical doctors who are here to look after those in need. We lead the world in research. As for your comment for #16. Eliza_nsw has a point we need to train up our own youth for these roles. As Eliza mentioned fairs fair. And yes if your visa expires good bye. why should we be any different to other nations. You get a visa you get entry and for a time period, then leave to go home or elsewhere. Why oh why should Australia be a dumping ground. #17 - well not even worth a comment - except we also have good doctors for you.
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Hi Nick, Better photo today - your ol sparing partner Eliza.
And to Oi Oi Oi2 do you realise this goes around the world. What a comment. And Smartlondon as for oi oi I wont even go there that is just left field, but #19 has a point, I dont think its anything to do with who or nationality its over all immigration. Its ture for Britain also if anyone overstays a visa and is found out are they not deported. Or arrive a Heathrow without proper visa's are they also not put on another flight out. The checks at the border The English Channel isnt that to keep those not legally entering the country out. I mean come on. As I have mentioned Ive heard about the moaning and groaning of Brits in regards to others in the EU allowed to work - AND they are allowed those who out stay visas are not. Its across the board not just Britain.
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Prime minister Kevin Rudd did not come to this decision easily nor was it the union who proposed this Idea to the Labour Party it was me a Australian born and Breed Aussie who saw the problem 10 years ago,
It started when idoits voted for the Liberal Howard National government and introduce workchoice bill which detroyed low income earners lifes and put this country into debt.
Yes Mr Howard/ Costello government was good at covering up the real cost of Australian forigner debt and unemployment figures which never came down to around 4.5 percent it was people like me they used on scam programs like work for the dole which was being used to fiddle the unemployment figures while ripping the heart out of the work force by importing forgeiner workers,
I remember Mr Howard famous word GST Tax would not hurt families and no illegal migants people would set foot on Australia soil yet the truth was as soo as they got Work choice industral laws pass the senate they quickly brought in thousands of illegal migants for Business owners as a union bashing tool.
We do not need immigantion skilled labour their is millions of Australian's who can do the job it is we are prevented from taking up those position especially if we want to join a union.
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#30 Austgirl, I'm not entirely sure what point you're trying to make. Dr Neuhaus is entirely fictitious, it could just have easily been Civil Engineer Smith or Carpenter Patel. I'm not knocking Australian Doctors, I have heard that the facilities to train enough of them are lacking, but I don't know whether that's true, even if it is, the same is true of many countries.
My point was that Wjburt shouldn't be sending people home who have been working legally here - most of them welcomed with open arms - just because their Visas are up. You can argue that those who want to stay will have become permanent residents or extended their sponsorship, but undoubtedly there would be some who don't fit that position. Are they and their families to fall through the cracks? Seems a pretty mean way to treat people who have helped you.
As for Eliza_nsw #16, sure, young people should be in training for appropriate jobs. The tone of her comment was just a little too Daily Mail (right wing in the UK for me). It's pretty easy to start blaming "the youth of today" or "immigrants" when times get a little hard. Just because we are guilty of it in the UK it's not a good reason to continue it here too.
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Hi Paul - before I say anything I will say Arh Der I knew the Dr was fictious. Yes, but my point was that peopel who are legally here are fine and actually Paul Im not too sure of where here is for you - you have "Just because we are guilty of it in theUK and then "to continue it here" but thats neither here or there. The point is that every nation has visa rules, why should Aust be any different, why should we let people over stay visa's its a matter thats black and white - clear cut. Not grey. No visa - no stay, as for helping us dont you think those who work here LEGALLY get experience and ? out of the experience. If it was so horrible theyd be gone. I think we have got off the track - no visa - no stay, which Paul is the one thing I cant fathom from you - I dont mean to be mean but are you saying its fine to be in Aust illegally if you have been here for a while. No, surely not. Do have any idea of how many of other nations we have illegally, the cost of that. That is the one thing I dont understand well two things - why should we Aust be any different and why is it too hard to accept that we have rules too - I mean - no visa no stay.
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Well well my lunch time banter continues. First off Western Union do you have any clue that what you wrote goes around the world - your comment isnt even worth a response but then hey - How could JH fool anyone, we were prosperous, we had low unemployment that is a fact of record. We have done well riding out the recession till Dudd came and spent as per Australian history its written WesternUnion I never wrote it. Labor are quite noted. Paul my mate, as I logged on I seen Austgirls comment and well the Daily Mail is that what Aust post delivers, who gives a hoot I am here in NSW, yes I have read the Daily Mail when i was on holiday last year hearing all the whinging about others being in Britain on EU passports (and working).
I do know what right wing is and I only hope it corresponds with the Australian Coalition Party or the great JH. But I will ask you - do you have any clue about the youth here, in NSW the carrying ons they get up to, the truency, well if you do I wouldve thought you'd agree that its best to teach them (not all are like that of course) but to teach them a trade. And no I am not blaming immigrants or the youth, maybe Dudd and swan. All is said is its best to train them up as the oldies are tiring and yes if no visa no stay. Immigrants have visa to stay thats why they are immigrants.
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Paul I re read what you had written and have put the claws away. whilst I stand by the no visa bit. I will explain that in recent times there was a Dr who was to be deported after working here - and he wasnt. I did know the one you mentioned was fictious but still the issue over here caused a stir.
So on that note - humbles appologies. But if you knew this - dont be a stirer.........
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AustGirl, My point was about the people who have Visas and would normally have expected them to be renewed. Wjburt seemed to want to stop that process. I don't think it's fair to get people and their families over here and then change the rules. Luckily, that isn't what the Govt is proposing.
As for 'here' - yes I'm in Australia (legally), when I speak of 'we' in the UK, that's because I'm British. I wasn't aware of a deported Doctor, though I did hear lots about the one that fled and has only recently been forcibly returned to meet the charges against him.
ElizaNSW, sorry you had the Daily Mail inflicted on you while on holiday. Maybe you can see why I find it sad to see one of the bad aspects of my own country repeated in my temporary homeland. Unfortunately you seem to see the Howard Govt through rose-tinted specs - they weren't riding out a recession, because there wasn't one (not sure if technically there still is), in fact hardly anywhere was in recession when Howard was still in power. Are you blaming the entire global downturn on my MP?
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Fair enough Paul I understand and yes we have a few "troublesome" doctors but the one I was relating to was here on the Sth Coast of NSW and for reason which I wont air here was due and going to be deported as his application was unsuccessful for staying BUT people did intervene and of course the GOvt did also and this much loved local Dr is here to stay.. for as long as he wants...Im glad you are here legally and hope you are enjoying your stay, and Im glad that we could chat over this I must admit I wish others would talk like we did some of the comments are firey. But Paul I have to agree to disagree with you regarding the great JH. Who is your MP I didnt get the last line of you note. And no the global downturn is "just" happening I just think we are riding it out better because of JH. Thats all. Yes I do not support Labor at all but that aside I do think that the Coalition wouldve been better equipt to deal with the situation. More experience and just better able to cope. Chat soon
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Oh - that last bit was for Eliza but I think I got the drift - is your State having an election this week-end - ? I guess you can also add me to those rose coloured specs comments - see I read then jump. I never even seen Eliza_nsw written there. I just seen JH name and off I go..
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Austgirl what a laugh I read what you wrote to Paul & looked and then re read what Paul wrote - silly bugga. But I am glad that you also wear Rose coloured glasses - I am staunch or as Steve Irwin would say passionate about two things Canterbury Bulldogs & John Howard (The Coalition). No I am not pointing any fingers of blame either - but Labor as is written in our history books are useless in Govt let alone a crisis. But you both should be pat on the back as you have written atleast you both chatted things out. Paul you must have a smile (well Im guessing) Austgirl wrote aobut jumping in then did the same thing again but atleast she? admited it -
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Eliza, Austgirl, Indeed I have a smile on my face as I write this. Having seen the stick AustGirl was getting on the Human Rights blog (I steered clear knowing nothing about the subject) she should be praised for remaining so calm.
The same kinda goes for JH - I know not much of him (though I have formed an opinion). I do know enough to take issue with Eliza for suggesting that Labour got us into this mess though - they came in just as we got here and no one saw it coming. Kevo, as we locals know him, is our MP. And yes we have an election looming (please let it be over soon, stop the adverts, please, please, please) in the Foggy, damp, Smart State. The contenders I believe, are Capn' Bligh and Lozza Cyborg.
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I do agree with Paul on this. People who are working on a valid visa should be given teh oportunity to extend their visa. It is not fair on them, their family or their employer if the ability to extend is removed.
In terms of JH, I'm not commenting on who could have done a better job facing this crisis. Labor seems to be doing a good job to me, esp. when all the other major economies are in such bad shape. However Australia's performance over the past 20 years or so was a joint effort between Labor and the Coalition - lots of the reforms Labor made in the 80s/90s lead to the prosperity that the Coalition enjoyed.
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Budgie - The only reason we are doing o.k is because of The Coalitons good ecomonic policies and as for 80/90's we were left in deficit which John Howard and the others had to fix up which they did and we had a surplus until Labor Dudd and Goose got their hands on the money and global downturn or not this would have happened. This is not a personal opinion but fact.
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Austgirl - what exactly are these good economic policies put in place by the Howard government? Labor had already floated the dollar and deregulated the stock exchange. The liberals did dereguate the Reserve Bank, but both parties had already agreed to do this when Keating PM. Selling off Telstra? The labor party started this by selling off Qantas etc. Liberals just got the best of the good times and got the boot before it all went pear shaped!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Perhaps the Aussies could take a leaf out of the Mother Country's book and kick out all the trained Indian professionals. And then replace them with 'fellow- Caucasians' from the UK , the EU and North America.
The only fly in the ointment would be finding enough 'fellow Caucasians' to do the jobs. Most 'fellow Caucasians' have ,for years ,been used to 'whooping it up ' and living the good life. And none of these traits ( charming and enduring though they might be ) are exactly conducive to churning out high calibre professionals - in the requisite numbers.
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