Report reveals need for Australian immigration boost

Australia needs to solve the problem of its labour shortage by boosting Australian immigration by 30 per cent within the next 20 years, according to a report. In a paper written for the Academy of Social Sciences Experts it says that Australian immigration will be particularly vital once the baby boomer generation starts to retire.

Professor Peter McDonald, of the Australian National University, told ABC News: "Over the last 20 years or so, we've had a growth rate as high as about two per cent, and it's now down to about 1.2 per cent per annum. If it were to be one per cent per annum from now on, the levels of immigration required would be higher than they are now. At the moment, they're higher by historical standards." He added that the amount of people coming into the country through Australian immigration must rise to 220,000 each year.

In related news, a new campaign is to be launched in the UK to try and tempt people to consider Australian immigration.

Australia needs skilled workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.