The biggest potential difference migrants can make to the economy is is by adding to the nation's productivity. This is the view expressed by Chris Richardson, Director of Acess Economics, in a November issue of BRW. Over the past decade Australia has focused its migrant intake on skilled workers,and in doing so has got the lead on many other rich countries who are yet to recognise the benefits of this focus. World bank figures show that Australia leads many other western nations in the number of skilled migrants minus skilled emigrants as a percentage of the adult population.

BRW November 3-9, 2005, p24.