Released on = November 11, 2006, 3:47 am

Press Release Author = Ryan Rebutica

Industry = Government

Press Release Summary = Employers needing skilled workers can explore their options
at the free Australia Needs Skills Expo in Perth this Saturday, November 11.

Press Release Body = Employers needing skilled workers can explore their options at
the free Australia Needs Skills Expo in Perth this Saturday, November 11.

The Australia Needs Skills Expos connect skilled workers with Australian employers
and provide information about options to live and work in Australia.

\'The Australian economy is booming and needs more skilled workers,\' Minister for
Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Amanda Vanstone said.

\'Skilled migration has clear economic and social benefits for Australia and the
Australian Government has a range of initiatives to help employers attract the
workers they need from overseas,\' Senator Vanstone said.

\'Temporary skilled migration to Western Australia has more than doubled in the past
year, playing a critical role in helping meet the demand for skilled workers.\'

The mining industry is the biggest user of the 457 temporary skilled worker visa
programme in Western Australia but the health and community services sector is
increasingly looking to temporary skilled migration to meet demand.

One employer using the 457 visa programme successfully is St John of God Hospital in
Subiaco which currently employs 13 overseas trained junior doctors.

\'Not only do overseas skilled workers like these doctors help business and industry
meet their labour needs, they play a critical role in supporting and training young
workers,\' the Minister said.

About 5000 people are expected to attend the expo where representatives from more
than 30 exhibitors and experienced staff from the Department of Immigration and
Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) will be available to answer questions about work
opportunities and visa options.

DIMA is presenting the Perth Australia Needs Skills Expo with its strategic partners
the WA State Government and the Small Business Development Corporation.

Web Site = http://www.nationalvisas.com.au

Contact Details = National Visas
Web site: http://www.nationalvisas.com.au
Address: 3 - 118 Church Street
Hawthorn, Victoria
Australia 3122
Phone: +61 (0) 3 9697 4922
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9815 1544