As the Australian economy slows, the Government has taken swift action to protect jobs by cutting the immigration intake by 14 percent.
Immigration Minister, Chris Evans is set to announce a 14 percent cut to the skilled migration program, capping the number of workers entering Australia at 115,000, down from 133,500 in 2008-09.
The decision comes after news that unemployment has risen to 5.2 percent.
Evans has signalled the importance of keeping jobs within Australia.
“The economic circumstances in Australia have changed as a result of the global financial crisis. It is prudent to reduce this year’s migration intake accordingly.”
Industries that will be affected by this change include trades in building and manufacturing, pushing companies to find bricklayers, plumbers, welders and carpenters domestically.
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