By far the greatest feature of the Budget ‘08 is the large increase in skilled migration. If there are skill shortages, this is the best way to overcome them. Moreover, it will add to the growth potential of the Australian economy.

So how does our lackluster Opposition respond? Well, to complain of course and to come up with spurious arguments linking this to a rise in unemployment. There is a big difference between taking jobs and filling jobs. Actually, the whole notion of taking jobs is nonsensical because someone has to give you a job and it is an employer. The idea that they have to be constrained not to choose the right person for a job is ridiculous. Let’s face it, if you believe in free markets, especially a free labour market, then you believe in easy immigration. To do otherwise is hypocritical.