Immigration to Australia Tightened to Save Jobs

A GROWING jobs shortage and rising unemployment figures in Australia have forced the Rudd Government to start closing the gate on foreign workers.

Jobs vacancies for skilled workers have plunged 50 per cent in Queensland as demand for professionals and tradespeople dries up and mining giants slash staff.

Nearly 550 Queensland miners were axed on Tuesday and up to $30 billion in planned mining developments are in doubt because of the sudden downturn in world demand for the state's coal.

In response, the Federal Government has moved to tighten immigration laws to protect Australian Jobs. This will involve the Government making it harder for skilled foreign workers to come to Australia, but fast-tracking those who meet critical shortfalls. Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the revised program would start in January and would better target the workers Australia needed."In light of changing economic circumstances, the Rudd Government has reviewed the skilled migration program and consulted with business and industry along with state and territory governments Australia-wide about their skills need," Senator Evans said. "There were concerns that the permanent skilled migration program was not delivering the right skills to the right areas and there was an increasing use of the temporary skilled migration program by employees to meet their needs."

The 133,500 skilled migrants applying to work in Australia will now be required to have a job – sponsored by an employer or by a state government – before they arrive or meet a critical skills list, including medical, engineering and construction.The move to save jobs for Australians comes as Treasurer Wayne Swan hit out at a bookmaker who offered $1.12 odds on Australia plunging into recession. "I think that sort of talk is utterly irresponsible," Mr Swan said. "What the Australian Government is doing in the face of the global financial crisis is everything we possibly can to strengthen our economy and to protect jobs in that environment."

On top of the mining job cuts in the Bowen Basin and northwest Queensland, it yesterday emerged about 80 staff at the Brisbane headquarters of collapsed childcare giant ABC Learning Centres had been sacked. The losses add to about 100 jobs tipped to go from ABC childcare centres next month.

The Employment Department's job index for skilled workers plunged by more than 50 per cent in Queensland in the past year, the second biggest decrease after NSW. Nationally, skilled vacancies have dropped by nearly 38 per cent as the financial crisis hit the broader economy. The biggest drop was for printing trades, which were down by 24.2 per cent, followed by metal trades at 15.8 per cent and wood trades at 14.1 per cent. The only occupation on the rise was medical and science technical officers, which rose by 0.8 per cent. The grim economic news follows moves by the US Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates virtually to zero to stimulate the economy out of recession. Professor of economic policy at Curtin University's Graduate School of Business Peter Kenyon said the resource sector would feel more pain in the short term.

Source: www.news.com.au/

Perth, an Isolated Paradise City in Australia

One of the ideal ways of traveling around Australia would be to take a tour to its western side and that’s Perth, the capital and largest city of the Australian State of Western Australia. Owing to its vastness, everything you wish to see in this scenic land mass could be possible if you spend more time exploring its picturesque and awesome hot spots. Either you are here for a holiday vacation, for a study or work or for just your stop over as you’re traveling around the world; this place would be one of the greatest destinations for any one.

Perth is one of the most isolated metropolitan areas in the world. This is the reason why it is sometimes called as an isolated paradise city since its neighborhood cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are so far away. In fact, the nearest city to it is Adelaide in South Australia, which is about one thousand miles away and will take you so long before you arrive in this city.

The climate of Perth is also considered as one of the best in Australia. Due to its temperate climate almost its entire year, this will let you do different fun and exciting outdoor activities which will make your holiday break truly worthwhile and enjoyable. This is the reason why this city is one of the most favored destinations for spending holiday vacation because you’ll surely become busy exploring its tourist attractions with its pleasant time.

There are lots of great things to see and do in and around Perth. From art galleries, architecture, great parks and gardens to various famous ediface, Perth has so much interesting attractions to offer that you just might not feel like leaving this captivating city once you're here. Some of its great architectures include its famous museums and galleries such as Western Australian Museum, Art Gallery of Western Australia and Museum of Childhood. Aside from this, you will also enjoy visiting its famous parks and gardens like Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Burswood Park, Supreme Court Gardens. Another great attraction that you must not miss is the Perth Zoo which has exotic wild animals and reptiles that can be seen exclusively.

Along its coast there are yet more water adventures to take part in, such as diving, fishing, surfing, and even swimming with dolphins and other marine life creatures in their natural environment. Some of its awesome water attractions are Swan River and Perth Beaches such as Scarborough, Trigg and Cottesloe Beach.

Indeed, Perth is beautiful in so many ways. The vastness and unspoiled natural beauty of this city, the uniqueness of its wildlife and marine life, the wide-range activities and tourist attractions it offers to people have made this Australian City a paradise that will surely capture your heart. Getting an Australian Tourist Visa or an ETA Visa is your passport to make your vacation in Perth possible.

Expansion of Scheme to Help Skilled migrants

QUEENSLAND will join a scheme to fast-track foreign technology graduates into Australian workplaces and help them gain permanent residency.

The one-year Information, Communication and Technology Professional Year program (PYear) was launched in May by federal education and immigration agencies in conjunction with the Australian Computer Society.

The program enables up to 10 points to be awarded under the general skilled migration points test. Brisbane North Institute of TAFE and Central Queensland University are the first education providers in the state to offer the PYear program, with the first intake due in November.The program is also offered in Victoria, NSW and the ACT, and plans are under way to extend it to Western Australia and South Australia.

Brisbane North TAFE business development manager Jenny Salonen said there had been strong interest among graduates from countries such as India. "The idea of the program is to make graduates more work-ready, so a lot of the classes are about Australian workplace culture, and it helps them with their English language, as well as providing an internship for 16 weeks," Ms Salonen said.

To qualify, students must have spent at least two years studying in Australia for a technology degree. They will qualify for ACS student membership.

The PYear Program is offered by five other education providers: Victoria's Swinburne and Monash universities, Navitas, Education Centre Australia and Canberra Institute of Technology.Monash University's Professional Program has had three intakes since May 2008 and another three are expected by the end of the year. Swinburne University, Navitas, Education Centre Australia and CIT will begin PYear intakes this month.

"It fast-tracks people into the industry," Ms Salonen said. "It is not only graduates who need this, there are skilled migrants who have come to Australia and been under-employed because they haven't been able to transition into the workplace."

Brisbane North TAFE is expecting about 20 people at each enrolment, with four intakes planned each year.ACS chief executive Kim Denham said the PYear program was designed to help minimise the skills gap and increase the skills and number of technology professionals in Australia. "We hope that after a successful year of the program, and as more students learn about the benefits of it, the numbers of students and education providers participating will increase in 2009," Ms Denham said.It is expected that by the end of 2009, 200 participants will have graduated from the program.

The ACS recently released the ICT Skills Forecasting Report, which highlights an expected growth in skills shortages to 14,000 by 2010 and 25,000 by 2020.
The PYear program is also available to domestic graduates who wish to improve their work-readiness. "Ultimately, we would like to have at least one education provider in each state offering the program so students across Australia have the opportunity to participate in it," Ms Denham said.

By: Jennifer Foreshew
Source: www.australianit.news.com.au/

Great Reasons Why To Study in Australia

In any survey that you’ll ever ask international students about what country is their most preferred destination for their study; Australia will always be included on their top list. This is not hard to see why since Australia has garnered an outstanding trademark worldwide for having a high-quality and excellent education system. With its remarkable number of reputable universities and colleges that offer a complete range of great courses and programs, overseas students are secured that they will receive the best education they need for their career enhancement and development.

Australian Education System is one of the best in the world. In fact, the quality of the courses it offers and the teaching method it applies to their students are being monitored by its government and industry organizations. Their academic staffs who have been recruited from across the globe are also well-experienced to ensure that they impart excellence to their students. In addition, the cost of its tuition fees is considerably less expensive compared to other developed countries such as United States and United Kingdom. This only shows that the education they provide has an optimum and high-quality standard but still affordable. This is the reason why it’s globally recognized as one of the most effective education systems. So any student can’t go wrong choosing Australia as a study destination since learning and studying in this country is a great way to launch an employment career.

Career opportunities are countless for those students who have graduated in any of its universities or colleges. With having an Australian degree and qualification, they enjoy a high level of success seeking for career employment due to the worldwide acceptance and respect for Australian education system. Even those students who will be soon graduating are also considered and hired by some employers provided that they will finish their studies. Aside from these benefits, graduated students are only given a chance to settle permanently and continue living and working down under. This can be achieved through applying for an Australian Permanent Residency under the Skilled Migration Program. Definitely, this is the most awaited part of most international students who have applied for an Australian Student Visa because they look forward to seeing Australia as their new second “HOME”. For them holding a permanent residence visa is the best reward they will receive after staying for 2 years studying in the Land of Oz.

While studying in Australia, students are also given the opportunity to work. This is also another great incentive for those students who need to earn some money or would like to gain some working experiences. During the semester, they can have a part-time job in which they are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Working in full time is also permitted but this should be done during vacation period. This is for them to focus more on their studies to ensure that they will excel in their academic activities.

Indeed, education in Australia makes a lot of difference. From its internationally recognized high-quality and affordable education to its excellent career opportunities it offers up to its great incentives they provide for their students, Australia covers it all. So if you’re looking for study options, then Australia can easily be figured out as your top choice on your list. Choose now for any Australian institutions and gather some necessary information about their admission. Don’t forget also to ask for visa assistance from an Australian Immigration company to know more about the requirements in applying for an Australia Student Visa which will be your passport to a well-paid career and a secure future.

Author: Journey Mile

photo credits: wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au