For years, those in power have argued that, unlike the United States or the United Kingdom, Australia has a skills-focused immigration system.

We’re the lucky ones, which is why we’ve avoided all the “political upheaval” the other countries have seen, they argue.

Not so.

Because as it turns out, Australia’s “skilled migration program” isn’t actually all that skilled at all. 

In fact, the entire thing is a joke. 

A report by the Australian National University has revealed that just 12 per cent of permanent migrants to Australia are skilled.

The rest are family members.

But wait, the joke gets even worse.

Because what we call “skilled” isn’t all that skilled after all.

The current Australian government skills list includes “dancers or choreographers”, “dog handlers or trainers”, “real estate agents”, and even “migration agents”. 

Why are these on the skills list?

Do we really lack the capability to teach people how to be a dog handler? 

The fact is that Australia’s immigration system isn’t about skills at all. 

It’s packed with foreign students, family members young and old, and temporary workers.

Even the “skilled” migrants aren’t all that skilled.

So yes, while Australia’s immigration intake is “legal”, that doesn’t mean it’s not broken.

The way to solve a “skills shortage” – if there even is one – isn’t to just bring in everyone and their family members.

Especially during a housing crisis.

It’s to upskill our own citizens, give them training and opportunities. 

Give them the chance to earn a decent wage, afford a home, and get ahead.

If we’re going to put Australia first, that’s how we fix skills shortages.

And it’s how Australia becomes stronger.