Australia’s immigration history is one of the great success stories of our nation. Since World War II about seven million migrants have settled here. They have made Australia the rich, vibrant society it is today.

Australia’s immigration program continues to benefit Australia through the energy, skills, commitment and diversity that new settlers and their families bring with them.

This government is focused on a skilled migration program which delivers the skills needed to grow our economy. Our skilled migration program accounted for 67 per cent of total migration to Australia in the last program year. Skilled migrants bring valuable knowledge and experience to this nation, allowing Australia to fill critical skills shortages and maximise our productivity levels.

Australia’s migration program is more effectively meeting the needs of employers through a focus on employer-sponsored skilled migrants and those occupations in critical demand.

New settlers can be assured of a friendly welcome and assistance wherever they choose to settle in Australia.

Obviously, the better informed intending settlers are about their adopted country, the easier it will be for them to integrate into the Australian way of life and society.

The 2010 edition of The Australian Immigration Book makes a valuable resource for people of the world actively considering migrating to Australia.

I also encourage readers to visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website at www.immi.gov.au for more detailed information about making a new life in Australia.

Senator Chris Evans                          

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

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