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Population levels in New South Wales (NSW) are dropping dramatically; Net migration has gone down fifty percent in the last two years, caused in part by the Australian government making it more difficult to obtain skilled migration visas and student visas.
The economic boom in Australia means more and more skilled labour shortages.
Net migration fell from a peak of 316,000 in 2008 to only 171,000 in 2010, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. Also, according to the report, 138,400 residents left Australia in the last six months, an increase of 13 percent over the previous six months.
Australia's population as a whole grew only 1.5 percent in 2010, the slowest growth rate since 2005. NSW's population grew 1.2 percent, well below other Australian states and territories.
It is hoped that an increase in skilled migration will result in sufficient skilled workers to meet the needs of NSW employers. A coming boom in the mining industry will mean that NSW employers will be even more dependent on overseas workers to fill vacancies.
Many overseas workers will come under the temporary 457 work visa but a good number are expected to come to Australia through independent and sponsored skilled migration schemes.
