Western Australia's peak business body has warned Julia Gillard the state is desperate for workers and migration has to increase.

WA Chamber of Commerce & Industry chief executive James Pearson said unlike parts of the eastern states, where there were issues of overcrowding and congestion, West Australian employers needed workers.

"In Western Australia, we are desperate for workers, we need almost half a million over the next decade," he said.

http://www.news.com.au/busines...frfm1i-1225884995483