| Almost 1,400 new migrants have been granted their | | | | But the ACT Government declares Canberra can |
| Australian visas and are now trying their luck at the | | | | accommodate the growing number of overseas |
| Australian Capital Territory. This is in response to the | | | | migrants. If anything, this Australian immigration is a |
| state's aggressive campaign to bring in more skilled | | | | welcome addition not just to the state's workforce but |
| and professional migrants to combat the labor | | | | to the overall community as well. |
| shortage. | | | | "We've got a lot of housing coming onto the market |
| As reported by ABC News Online, Acting ACT Chief | | | | soon," Chief Minister Gallagher said. |
| Minister Katy Gallagher says “the city can handle | | | | True enough, as housing steadily mends itself, migration |
| the growth as the Government's Live in Canberra | | | | to Canberra gets a lot easier. Again, quoting from ABC |
| campaign starts to pay dividends.” | | | | News Online, “a Canberra migration agent says it is |
| This exodus of skilled migrants is the highest in a | | | | easier to migrate to the ACT than anywhere else in |
| decade. And while Canberra is still experiencing severe | | | | Australia. We get a sponsorship in a month or two |
| housing and rental problems, this hasn't deterred people | | | | months' time, whereas in other states, it takes nearly |
| from wanting to live and migrate to Australia. | | | | six months to get a sponsorship." |
| For the past three months, real estate in Australia has | | | | Overall, these figures mean a win-win situation for both |
| been bleak. Economist Simon Tennent from the | | | | the state government and all skilled and professional |
| Housing Industry Association cites that the country is | | | | migrants. Indeed, immigration to Australia has never |
| about 25,000 dwellings short, with the rental market the | | | | seen better times such as now. And hopefully the |
| biggest sufferer. Canberra is up about two-and-a-half | | | | trend will continue in the years to come. |
| per cent over the last three months. | | | | Come and Live in Australia! |