The economic crisis engulfing Europe and the US presents the federal government with an opportunity to bolster Australia's over-stretched skilled workforce. Yet populist policy is driving against it by triggering a poll-driven cut in the migrant intake.

As the Australian economy surges towards full employment, Canberra is failing to seize the moment and attract exceptionally qualified people from troubled Western economies suffering double-digit unemployment.

http://www.theaustralian.com.a...frg6zo-1225933011312