Australian ballot boxes closed last night.

Well the polls have closed and now Australia waits with bated breath to see who becomes the next Prime Minister of Australia.

Latest exit polls reveal that this could be the closest fought election for 50 years in an election campaign that closely mirrors what has happened in Britain. At the moment Ms Gillard’s Labour Party could just hang onto the seat of power, but it would be by the skin of their teeth. Meanwhile a hung parliament is also a possibility at this stage.

So whilst Australia wait for votes to be counted, let’s look at the comparisons between Britain and Australia in what appears to be a very British election campaign.

A change of Prime Minister

In Great Britain in June of 2007 Gordon Brown became the British Prime Minister after Tony Blair resigned. Reports at the time said that Mr Brown had gone from being Mr Blair’s closest ally to his bitter rival.

In Australia Ms Gillard, deputy Prime Minister, became Prime Minister after allegedly ousting Mr Rudd despite previously pledging her support to Mr Rudd and stating that she had no intention of becoming Prime Minister of Australia.

Pre-election gaffes

In the British election in May 2010, Gordon Brown was doing fairly well in popularity polls, but all that changed with “bigotgate” when Mr Brown was caught on microphone calling a Labour voter a “bigoted woman” after she challenged him on immigration policy.

Ms Gillard found herself in the firing line when a leak revealed that she had raised opposition to paid parental leave for Australians and a state pension increase. There were rumours that the leak had come from Mr Rudd’s camp, but wherever it came from it did untold damage to an otherwise successful election campaign and saw Ms Gillard’s popularity fall.

Immigration has also played a large part in the Australian election, with Ms Gillard vowing to tackle the problem and reduce immigration figures for Australia.

Ex-Prime Ministers

Gordon Brown, during the election campaign, drew support from an old friend in the form of ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair who was wheeled out to try and boost Labour’s popularity. Ms Gillard also had to draw on support from Mr Rudd when her popularity was waning.

Hung Parliament?

The British election was a victory for the opposition party, the Conservatives, but only by a minority. The next week saw Britain facing the prospect of no major party in power. Both Labour and the Conservatives were trying to get the Liberal Democrats on their side, their only way to victory. In the end Gordon Brown resigned and the government of Great Britain was a coalition between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

In Australia, if neither party wins then the fate of the country could rest with the Green Party and three independent parties. So will Australia carry on with the trend of following Great Britain? We’ve just a couple of hours to find out!

Australia is suffering a skilled worker shortage.

The world’s media is now focusing on the great migrant debate in Australia as both parties battle it out to win votes with just a few days to the general election.

Australian politics is one of contradiction and confusion. On the one hand, both Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott have dismissed Kevin Rudd’s plans for a big Australia and both have announced that they are to curb immigration flow to Australia, yet both support the baby bonuses that encourages Australians to have more children. So on the one hand they say that the population of Australia is growing too much and that it’s largely the fault of the immigrants, but on the other they acknowledge a need to populate Australia for the benefit of an ageing population and the growing economy.

Tony Abbott has pledged to turn back boats containing asylum seekers and process all refugees in offshore detention centres, re-opening some that have been closed such as the one on Nauru Island. He also wants a return to Temporary Protection Visas and says that under his party, immigration flow will be capped at 170,000 per year.

Julia Gillard’s party claim that changes to immigration policies have already seen a decrease in immigration figures. Tony Burke, the newly appointed Minister for Sustainable Population, claims that migrant numbers have already been cut back to 230,000 and by the year 2011/12 they will be cut down to 145,000 – much less than Tony Abbott’s predicted number. At the moment immigration numbers stand at 300,000 per year.

But whilst the parties have been competing with each other over who is the toughest on immigration, Australian businesses have been fearing the worst. The chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Australia, James Pearson, has told the BBC: “We’re (Australia) one of the new parts of the developed world which is really crying out for new, skilled workers.”

“The real danger to Western Australia, and the Australian economy more broadly, is that if we can’t fill the jobs that are being created, then some projects will be delayed, some may not even go ahead and all of the knock-on effects that ripple through the economy will therefore be lost.”

The mining boom is predicted to create around 500,000 new jobs in Western Australia and there is already a skills deficit in the agricultural industry with Denita Wawn from the National Farmers’ Federation warning of a shortage of around 100,000 workers over the next five years.

Yet with both the leading political parties standing firm in their commitments to cut back levels of immigration in Australia, it appears that the pleas of the business industry are falling on deaf ears. Australia has weathered the economic storm that has battered the rest of the developed world, it remains to be seen whether or not it can still continue to grow its economy in the face of a severe cap on skilled migrants.

I think you missed a bit down there mate...

The South Australian government have launched a recruitment drive aimed at Britons to take on jobs that have a more unusual aspect.

The government conducted a survey of around 2,000 Brits in which 60% revealed that they were bored with the jobs they were in and would like a change. This prompted the South Australian government to try to lure 18-30 year olds on a working holiday package.

If you are young and bored with life then an Australian working holiday visa could be the ideal solution and one which the government of SA are keen to promote. It gives you the opportunity to spend up to a year working and living in Australia – with a possibility to extend your stay or even to apply for permanent residency!

South Australia claim that their jobs get bored Brits out of the office and doing something far more exciting and memorable. To illustrate their claim they have highlighted such jobs as a shark personality profiler at Port Lincoln (he’s a bit snappy, prone to biting and quite unsociable with other animals), a Little Penguin home remodeller on Kangaroo Island (nope, I’ve no idea about that one!) and a harvester of roo poo (I think we all know what’s involved with that one!). British men will find the next two jobs particularly appealing – Beach Babes Judge and Beer Taster. Yep, I thought that would catch your attention!

South Australia’s spokesman Bill Muirhead told the BBC; “This isn’t about one job that everyone has to compete for, but rather about showing people that South Australia offers more exciting work and travel options than anywhere else in the world. And anyone on a working holiday could do them.” The SA government recommends that young people taking them up on their offer register with Work in SA, an agency that specialises in arranging working holidays in Australia.

With more jobs going in the UK and the summer weather looking like it’s over, the promotion by South Australia might just work. After all, who could resist jetting off to the land of sun, sea and shark tagging for a spot of unusual work that’s worth getting out of bed for in the mornings?

So if you fancy doing something a little more unusual then see our section on working holidays in Australia and you never know what you might find yourself working as Down Under! See also our embrace community for discussions on working holidays.

Record numbers of Irish are heading for Australia.

The Irish Central has reported that a new survey reveals a shocking figure of 22% of all Irish would seriously consider the possibility of emigrating abroad.

The financial crisis has hit Ireland particularly hard and a recent surge in violence there by the new IRA has just exacerbated the situation with many Irish people now looking to abandon Ireland to start a new life abroad – with Australia being the favourite destination.

The newspaper claims that this ‘forced emigration’ is the reason why unemployment is lower than 500,000.

Yet unemployment in Ireland is at the highest levels since records began in 1967, the housing market is experiencing a severe slump with property values collapsing and 2009 saw many public protests take to the streets to complain about job losses. Personal debt has reached record levels and now 20% of Irish surveyed said they worry about losing their homes whilst another 27% say they cannot pay at least one bill.

For many, emigrating to countries like Australia and Canada seems to be the only way out, yet both countries are currently tightening their immigration policies.

In stark contrast to Ireland, Australia’s property prices have been booming, although there are now signs of the market stabilising; unemployment is low and there are many large businesses who are actively seeking migrants to fill huge labour shortages in skilled work.

For anyone considering emigrating to Australia, now is the time to do so before Australia follows the example of Canada and sets a cap on all skilled workers entering the country. Also the immigration policy is bound to change after the general elections in just over a week’s time.

If you have an occupation on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) Skilled Occupation List then you stand a good chance of being granted permanent residency. Other factors such as age, English language ability, education and work experience could also award you points in Australia’s points system.

Many foreign student nurses fear deportation from Australia.

Hundreds of foreign migrants working as student nurses in Australia are fearing deportation after the Nursing and Midwifery Board raised minimum scores for English language testing.

The student nurses, mainly from countries such as India and Pakistan, have migrated to Australia to study nursing in the hope of securing permanent residency. Many of them will be offered employment as nursing is currently on the Australian Immigration Department’s (DIAC) Skilled Occupation List, yet because of the change in minimum English testing scores, many fear they could be sent back home.

The DIAC recently announced that English language regulations for migrants were to get stricter, and in response the Nursing and Midwifery Board have raised the minimum score for the IELTS from 6.5 to 7.

The branch secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF), Lisa Fitzpatrick, criticised the change saying: “The goal posts have been changed on these students.” She stated that many students would now be in financial difficulties trying to pay back the loans given them to allow them to study in Australia. They came under the old rules that required a minimum of 6.5 in the IELTS scoring system to be told that is now no longer enough.

The changes came into effect along with lots of other changes to the immigration policy on July 1^st, but the students claim they knew nothing about it until it happened. It affects all those students who have not yet been given a permanent resident visa. Many students will have completed their course, bagged good job offers for an occupation on the SOL but face being sent home because their English is not up to the high standards now being demanded of them. Many students say they simply don’t have the time to take additional English language studies – or the money to finance such studies.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board justified the new rules by telling The Australian: “The English language standard is set at a level to ensure that all nurses are midwives are able to communicate effectively – verbally and in writing, with their patients and with other healthcare professionals,”

If you need advice on Australian visas or if you want to discuss the new changes then join our embrace community for advice and support.

Tony Abbott will use his powers to save Australia.

In a speech fit for a superhero, Tony Abbott has told his followers that it is his job to “save Australia”, adding that only the Coalition could lead Australia into the future.

In an impassioned speech at the Coalitions official campaign launch in Brisbane he told his party faithful that: “Our task is nothing less than to save Australia from the worst government in its history.” And adding that Labour did not deserve a second chance.

His policies pledge a drastic debt reduction package as well as a firm stance on asylum seekers, promising to jail people smugglers and Australians who harbour illegal immigrations. Mr Abbott has also pledged to cut immigration to just 170,000 per year – a policy that has dismayed many large businesses who say they rely on migrant workers.

He has also vowed to process asylum seekers claims in offshore detention centres like the one at Christmas Island and would restore the Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs). He has already met with the President of Nauru to talk about reopening a detention centre on the island.

Yet for someone who has publicly renounced Kevin Rudd’s ‘big Australia’ and warned against population growth, he has announced that his party will also provide a $500 advance on the baby bonus – a policy that encourages Australian to have more children.

Mr Abbott’s family and friends were around him to sing his praises to the gathered crowd, telling them what a loyal, compassionate and unflappable man he is.

Labour meanwhile have dismissed Mr Abbott’s policies as just “soundbites and garbs and personal barbs”. Labour are also intent on offshore processing of asylum seekers, they too, aim to cut back on the numbers of migrants entering Australia although they will not restore TPVs.

There are just thirteen days now and counting until the Australian general election.

International students are turning away from Australia.

The Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) have released a statement today saying that changes in immigration policy has halted growth in the international education sector.

ACPET claim that unless action is taken, not only will the international education sector stop growing, but it may even fall into decline, with a loss of billions to the Australian economy.

Previously the international student sector has grown steadily every year at around 12%, but ACPET say that changes made by the DIAC have had such a huge impact on international students choosing Australia as a destination that the industry may even start going backwards by 5% as early as next year.

The CEO of ACPET, Andrew Smith, accuses both political parties of failing to support the ailing industry which will, he claims, have disastrous consequences for the economy of the country.

“The Federal Government has crippled this industry over the past 12 months. The opposition’s cuts to migration would make things even worse. When will our leaders wake up and realise just how much is at stake in this industry?”

“International education is a great industry for Australia and the region – economically, socially and diplomatically.”

He sends out a message for both Julia Gillard, the Prime Minister of Australia and her opposition, Tony Abbott, to show support for what is Australia’s third largest export industry. He claims that growth in the international education industry could be supported by sustainable policies.

There are just two weeks to go before the general election and at the moment it looks like both parties are fairly even, with Tony Abbott gaining a slight lead in the popularity polls. But that could all change come polling day.

The DIAC are trying to promote immigration to the British.

Australia still needs skilled migrants! That’s the message the Australian Department of Immigration (DIAC) are giving as they visit the UK to try and recruit more British workers to emigrate abroad.

Despite the government pledging to cut down on immigration, the DIAC are holding a Skills Australia Needs expo in September to help Australian employers to find skilled British workers.

Most in need as workers skilled in engineering, the medical industry or general trades. A spokesman from the DIAC commented: “The Skills Australia needs Expo in London will target the industries most in need of skilled workers, such as the mining, health and construction industries.”

At the expo will be representatives from some of Australia’s major businesses and local government territories, giving potential migrants the opportunity to meet employers face to face and find out more about living in Australia. Workers hoping to gain employer sponsorship in Australia are urged to attend.

The last expo to be held in the UK was last year when more than 38 exhibitors were featured including many Australian employers looking for migrant workers and willing to offer sponsorship to suitable candidates. Government organisations were also on hand to offer advice on applying for an Australian visa and relocating to Australia. The event was highly successful with more than 1800 people attending.

The DIAC said of the 2009 event: “The last expo was a big success for both industry representatives and people attending: 90% of participants said they would recommend future expos to friends, while 80% thought they might have met a suitable sponsor for migration to Australia as a result of the expo.”

The expo will be in London for two days only on September 11^th and 12^th. It is strongly recommended you book your place through the DIAC skills expos site.

Despite what happens on August 21^st, Australian employers are still on the lookout for skilled migrants to fill labour shortages and these skills expos run by the DIAC offer potential migrants the best opportunities to find out more about working in Australia and to secure that employer sponsorship deal. So if you can get to London for those days we highly recommend that you do so.

If you want to know more about expos and how they can help you fulfil your dream of living in Australia, then read our guide to Australian expos and find out what to expect.

The catholic church speaks out in defence of Australian immigration.

From business arguments to spiritual now as Australia’s catholic bishops join in the furore surrounding immigration in Australia.

The catholic bishops are unhappy at the pledges made by both political parties to cut immigration levels. Speaking at the Catholic Bishops Conference, Bishop Joseph Grech, the delegate for Migrants and Refugees said: “Australia is a country which, compared to most nations that welcome migrants, is underpopulated with a standard of living which would remain sustainable despite higher levels of immigration,”

The bishop says that migrants have contributed greatly to the cultural and economic welfare of Australia and he accuses the government of bowing down to a minority of people who are making a lot of noise.

Bishop Grech, who was born in Malta and emigrated to Australia himself, spoke about how immigrants have helped Australia gain a reputation for being a unified nation, rich in cultural diversity and that problems with infrastructure should lie solely with the Australian government and not with migration.

Mr Grech is not alone in his thoughts, he has the support of most of the members of the ACBC who believe that a cut in migration will possibly lead to economic instability. Business leaders have also rallied around to say the same thing and warn of higher taxes as another consequence of a cut in migration.

Mr Abbott’s policies have mentioned that an increase in the birth rates in Australia are needed in order to provide for an ageing population, yet he opposes a ‘big Australia’ and wants immigration levels to reduce to 170,000 per year. So is the argument within the political parties about population control or just about closing its doors to immigrants?

With both parties taking such a firm stand on immigration, there is little the Australian public can do about the situation as it is certain that either Labour or Liberal will emerge the victors on August 21^st. The future for migrants in Australia looks extremely rocky.

Richard Branson defends Australian immigration.

Richard Branson is the latest in a long line of top businessman to come out and publicly urge the government to rethink their policies on Australian immigration.

Mr Branson was speaking just days after Coca Cola MD Terry Davis warned the Australian Immigration Department that large businesses would think twice about investing in Australia if the migrant workforce was not there to employ.

Virgin boss Richard Branson has spoken out to lend his support for Rudd’s ‘big Australia’ idea that proved so unpopular with the Australian public and media. He says that if immigration is given a boost in Australia it would lead to a stable economic future.

On the subject of population growth he added that people should “relax a bit”, telling Australians that “You can definitely take more.” And that such a low number of people inhabiting such a large land mass could in itself lead to instability. “A bigger population would create a much bigger economy without negatively affecting the people’s way of life.”

But far from encouraging general skilled migrants from emigrating to Australia, his plan is to encourage wealthy businesspeople to move to Australia instead, pointing towards Canada as an example. Canadian immigration allowed wealthy people from Hong Kong to migrate there in the 1990s when the country was handed back to China. It proved to be a hugely successful move for the Canadian economy.

Mr Branson was giving his interview to the Sunday Telegraph on immigration levels in Australia.

Meanwhile all this so far has left the two main political parties, battling it out in the polls, unmoved. Tony Abbott is pledging a cut in migration rates from 300,000 to 170,000 whilst Ms Gillard is also reviewing migration policy with a view to cuts and stricter regulations. If Mr Branson is urging Australia to be choosy with migration, Ms Gillard’s party is certainly doing that, focusing more on highly skilled migrants who can fill labour shortages.

The migration issue is still taking up media space in Australia and is certain to be key to the election campaign.