Big business and state governments would be able to fast-track thousands of temporary foreign workers into jobs in mines and hospitals to tackle the skills crisis under proposed changes to the 457 visa scheme.

The Rudd Government is also looking at allowing climate refugees — people from countries hit by rising sea levels — to resettle in Australia, as well as a scheme to accept unskilled guest workers from Pacific islands.

The plans could add to the boom in Australia's population which, according to new figures, surged past 21 million last year on the back of skilled migration.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/migration-plan-t...9/1205602482931.html