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Who’s coming to Queensland to live?

The top five nationalities for migrants settling in Australia are mirrored by those choosing the Smart State as their new home, according to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) Settler Arrivals 2009-10 publication.

On a national front, figures show that New Zealand and China are now the top two source countries by birth, with India, the United Kingdom and South Africa making up the remaining countries in the top five.

There were 140 610 settler arrivals in Australia in 2009-10, a decrease of 11 per cent from the previous year. This number of settler arrivals is now near the level it was in 2006-07.

Australia’s migration program is targeted to help grow Australia’s economy and meet critical labour needs.

“The Australian Government has undertaken a series of strategic reforms of the skilled migration program, to make it more responsive to Australia’s labour market demands,” a departmental spokesman said today. “These reforms are about selecting the best and brightest people from a large pool of potential migrants.”

Queensland recorded a drop in migrant settlers from 33 029 in 2008-09 to 24 946 this financial year – a 24.5 per cent decrease.

“This figure is predicted to rise this year with the increased proportion of skilled migrants in the 2010-11 migration program,” the spokesman said.

The government announced in the 2010-11 Budget a total of 168 700 places for migration, comprising a total skill stream of 113 850 places, a total family stream of 54 550 places and 300 special eligibility places.

“This will increase the proportion of skilled migrants to 67.5 per cent of the migration program to further address Australia’s needs as the economic climate improves while still ensuring places for family migration and reunion,” the spokesman said.

Settler Arrivals 2009-10 is the latest in the annual series of statistical publications that provides information on people arriving in Australia to live permanently. The report is available online at: www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/index.htm

Rising Rivers

The River is about to burst its banks.

More rain in Brisbane, King tides and good findings.

It has been another amazing week here in Brisbane, Queensland.

We’ve had more rain and some more flash flooding, although nothing compared to last week.

The King tide came ashore and choppy seas brought in more debris.

However, the amazing stores of the week here were the finding of flood survivors.

Brisbane River leaves a lot of muddy streets.

Muddy Streets left after Brisbane river flooded.

Brisbane River Flooding clear up continues.

Mud left as Brisbane Flood water subsides.

The Brisbane Flooding brought communities together.

The weekend after Brisbane River Flooded, hundreds of volunteers took to the streets to clean up, help out and get started on the re-building of home life. 

Many volunteers were taken by buses to the suburbs most affected by the flood water.  Sweepers, fire hoses, garbage trucks and many hands made light work of the debris. Food and drinks kept the workers working and music bands cheered up the streets.

A city working together really brought a sense of community spirit to the suburbs and street parties are planned, once the clear-up is finished.

Hung Parliament and now at last a new Government.

Julia Gillard, Australia’s Prime Minister has kept the Labor Party in power by the skin of her teeth. Having ousted Kevin Rudd to become the country’s first female prime minister just 3 months ago, she’s now under pressure to prove her worth.

Neither Labor nor the Liberal-National party impressed the Australian public. Public debate focused on the need for a deal between the mining giants and the government – a tax on super profits, commitment to fight climate change and to straighten out immigration policies.

How to manage illegal immigrants and refugees and then decide what professional and business migrants Australia needs and wants, is still at large. Currently the migration department is rumored to be at breaking point with influxes of illegal immigrants and refugees.

Related Stories:
www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2010/s3014140.htm
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/greens-inspect-darwin-detention-centres-20100916-15ehs.html

Tags: News

What’s in the News?

Other than sports stars behaving badly, Politicians fighting over false emails and teenage girls bullying – We have a few thoughts on Australia and the role it hopes to play in the G20 – Check out The Australian :

www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26052196-601,00.html