Australian General Skill Visa - Explained

Australian Migration to Only Become Harder in 2009

Australia may be forced to decrease its intake of migrants in 2009 and possibly further into the future. Pressure is rising from the opposition to cut the number of new arrivals before the current financial years end. This pressure is a result of the global financial meltdown, which in turn is forecast to push unemployment rate up in Australia.

This may mean that 2008 may be the best time to commence your Australian migration, so to improve your chances of successfully obtaining a visa.

The opposition for Immigration spokeswomen, Sharman Stone, said “It is important they remain flexible because the most important thing to do is look after Australia's own unemployed”.

Such calls from the opposition seem to be coming from the result of the bigger banks cutting interest rates so to push up spending. The Commonwealth Bank (Australia’s biggest home loan lender) became the third bank to cut rates recently, shaving 0.21% off its standard variable rate fro home loans, thus resulting in repayments on a standard $300,000 loan to be cut by about $42 a month.

The worldwide slowdown is cutting growth in Australia and some economists are now predicting unemployment will surge by 200,000 and hit 6 per cent by the end of 2009.

Australia was battling a general labor shortage earlier this year but now key industries have started to shed jobs, with even the mining industry slowing down.

It is thought that the migrant intake should be re-examined and looked at via skill categories first then on settlement locations before cutting numbers willy-nilly.

No Borders Reaching Out to the Community

(Above picture - Maren Pastyr from the Marketing Team; assisting people with their migration issues)

Last month No Borders Migration Advocates spent a day at the Inala Shopping Centre (Predominately Vietnamese populated suburb of Brisbane, Australia) with the intention of promoting both our migration and legal services to the community. No Borders sees the need to inform the public of the migration and legal services available. So that people can feel safe and educated about their life and their options in regards to living in Australia and a persons legal rights.

The marketing team, made up of Maren Pastyr and Peter Collins, headed out to Inala to set-up an information stand and answer people's questions about migration. There was quite a lot of interest by the community wanting to know what their options are for becoming a Permanent Resident of Australia.

No Borders will continue to reach out to local Brisbane communities over the next 12 months in attempt to educate local migrants on the current migration laws and how these affect their opportunities for living in Australia.

Oktoberfest at the Brisbane German Club 2008

October 17th & 18th saw the Brisbane German Club host its annual Oktoberfest celebrations. No Borders decided to help out with the decorating and set-up of the weekend's festivities, also we helped out with the celebrating of the festival (No Borders employee Leighton Crisp to the right - showing that he got his hands dirty when putting up flags and signs).

The weekend proved to be a great success, with plenty of patrons walking through the door to celebrate German culture. This year saw a large range of people attend, from young 20 year old Australians to German gents and ladies in their 70's.

The strong relationship that the Brisbane German Club and No Borders share was shown with staff members helping out in hanging flags, banners, signs and moving tables. The Brisbane German Club also allowed No Borders Migration Advocates to have a presence at the event displaying a banner and offering vouchers for free quick assessments to all attending and their friends.

Overall the event was a hit and we all look forward to it again next year!

25% Discount for First Home Buyers/Builders!

On Sept 1, the stamp duty threshold increased to $500,000 for first home owners. On Oct 14, the first home owners grant doubled and trebled to $14,000 and $21,000 (for a newly constructed home). Morpheus Property put the icing on the cake, with a 25% discount off the standard 2.2% service fee (offer ends 30 June 2009). Of course, the buyer must be eligible to receive the First Home Buyers Grant to receive the discount.

Why offer the discount? Many people are uncertain about what to buy, where and for how much and many are sitting on their hands. At the same time, Morpheus Property is out there getting great deals for their clients, before the market takes off. It is during these times, that it pays to have a buyer’s agent giving you expert advice and first home owners usually need this the most.

Morpheus Property are out there finding, appraising and negotiating every day on their buyer’s behalf, acting exclusively for the buyer! On top of that, we will ensure that everything that needs to get done ... is done.

Q So, should you be buying your first home before the next property boom, but are procrastinating, too busy or doesn’t know where to start? Or do you know someone who is?

Do them a favour and forward a link to this great opportunity. Not only will the Morpheus Property team work hard to find them the right property for the right price, they will be eligible for a 25% discount off the Morpheus Property service fee, ensuring they’re off to a great start!

For more detailed information, visit the Morpheus Property website or call us to get the ball rolling today! - 1300 727 586.

To check for eligibility, speak to your accountant or visit the Queensland Government website.

Yours in property!

Martyn Fleming & Guy Clarke
Morpheus Property – Buyer’s Agents

Ph: 1300 727 586
E: enquiries@morpheusproperty.com.au