Finally Rudd caves in to Opposition call for cut in intake of skilled migrants

17-March-2009

After months of pressure from the Coalition the Rudd Government has finally come to their senses and cut Australia’s intake of skilled migrants by 18,500 over the next three months, Federal Liberal member for Indi Sophie Mirabella said.

“Along with my Liberal Party colleagues, I have been calling on the Government to cut immigration. It is very welcome news that the Labor Government have at long last listened to the Opposition’s calls about addressing job cuts and rising unemployment.”

“Under Kevin Rudd and Labor unemployment has risen to its highest level since the 1991 Paul Keating recision. Around the nation and here in the North-East people from all walks of life, small business people, farmers, workers and families are suffering because of the Rudd Government’s failure to keep unemployment under control,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The Prime has said every job loss in one to many and to date his Government have just sat by and watch worker and after worker, and business and after business either be sacked or go under.”

“Australian jobs for Australians must be our priority in the current uncertain economic climate. This is a step forward. A step forward I hope will see less Australian’s losing their job and keep unemployment under control,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The Government should have acted earlier. It was an avenue that could have been pursued as it takes time for these policies to filter through,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.