The Hindu Business Line : W. Australia welcomes Indian migrants

Recently in Perth The Western Australia Government welcomes Indian migration to overcome the shortage of skilled labour, particularly in the mineral resources

“We are working hard to overcome the shortage of skilled labour, which is making it difficult to control costs, through migration. As a strategic support, we welcome Indian migration,” said Mr Eric Ripper, Deputy Premier of the Western Australia Government.

Australia has increased the allocation for immigration for the 2008-09 fiscal (July-June) and Western Australia had taken up the issue of relaxing visa rules with the Federal Government.

According to the Chamber of Mines, Western Australia, there could be a demand for at least 75,000 skilled workers in the next five years.

Mr Ripper, who is scheduled to visit India in July, said Western Australia favoured immigration of people with relevant qualification.

Project scope

Stating that mineral resources were important to the province, he said A$140 had been invested in the private sector since 2000-01. “Most of the investments have taken place in the mining sector,” he said, adding that there were possibilities to bring more projects onstream apart from those in nickel, gold, iron ore, diamond and oil and gas.

Mr Ripper said that during his visit to India, he would keenly study how the sub-continent’s economic growth was accelerating and promote trade and investment.

“Australia is not just about resources. Education is another segment that can attract Indian students,” he said.

Mr Ripper, during an interaction with journalists on a trip sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said India required raw materials, which Australia could provide.

Biz visits up

“China is the story now but we need to tap India. Visits by Indian businessmen are up as the realisation by industry has increased,” he said.

Asked about accepting investments by companies owned by Governments, he said any Government-controlled firm’s investment was accepted by Australia if it was fully commercial.

Mr Ripper said Western Australia was also looking at marketing Perth as a tourist destination.