House debates Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009

Consideration in Detail

Wednesday, 18 June 2008 House of Representatives

Christopher Pyne

Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister Assisting the Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

12:56 pm

At the moment, the age limit for skilled migration is 45. I would like to ask the Attorney whether the government would consider raising the age limit for the skilled migration program from 45 to 50 in regional and low population growth areas like South Australia, because of the advantage that it would give to South Australia in attracting skilled migrants. Our two biggest competitors are Canada and New Zealand for skilled migrants. Both of those countries have a higher age limit than does Australia. I am sure he would agree that people at the age of 50 can still make a useful contribution to working life.

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