Australia may be beset by skill shortages but it is taking longer than ever for visa applicants with the necessary skills to get approval to settle in this country. The delay in processing their visas is exacerbating skills shortages that are already forcing companies to put projects on hold, says Megan Motto, chief executive of the Association of Consulting Engineers Australia.

Some go further, suggesting that the delays will mean the best qualified applicants get sick of waiting around and go elsewhere.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24187146-28737,00.html