Catherwood LibraryILR School

Australia is to admit more skilled migrant workers to help ease its labor shortage while cracking down on firms which mistreat foreign staff. An extra 5,000 places for skilled migrants were unveiled by ministers as part of the government's annual budget. New powers are also being sought to fine firms which underpay workers or place them in unskilled jobs. The commodities boom has boosted the economy, but a major drought, the worst seen in a century, has hit growth. Growth this year is now expected to be 2.5% as opposed to the 3.25% previously forecast, with the farming sector particularly badly affected. Despite this, employment remains at a 30-year high, resulting in shortages of skilled workers in certain industries.