A growing shortage and rising unemployment figures in Australia have forced the Rudd Government to start closing the gate on foreign workers.

Jobs vacancies for skilled workers have plunged 50 per cent in Queensland as demand for professionals and tradespeople dries up and mining giants slash staff.

Nearly 550 Queensland miners were axed on Tuesday and up to $30 billion in planned mining developments are in doubt because of the sudden downturn in world demand for the state's coal.

In response, the Federal Government has moved to tighten immigration laws to protect Australian jobs.

This will involve the Government making it harder for skilled foreign workers to come to Australia, but fast-tracking those who meet critical shortfalls.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24816259-952,00.html