In explaining the governments spin on the benefit of the budget Morrison went on to say,

"This Budget allocates almost 68 per cent of Australia's migration places to skilled migration, and reprioritises employer-sponsored visas.

With the reprioritisation towards employer-sponsored visas, employers will be assisted in finding workers to fill vital positions where they have been unable to find local workers. This also protects Australian workers, who will have less direct competition from independent migrants who arrive without a guaranteed job.

The 2014-15 migration program provides a total of 190 000 places including 128 550 for skilled migration, 60 885 places for family migration and 565 places for migration under the special eligibility stream.

The family stream will see more places being allocated for partners and children which together increase by 335 places, in recognition of the strong social and economic benefits of close family reunion, while the number of places in the contributory parent category has also been increased by 500 places.

Department of Immigration and Border Protection

As outlined in last nights edition, the DIBP is set to be merged with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to form one consolidated department. This merger is planned to be complete by the 1st July 2016.

The Migration Review Tribunal to be merged

One of the unexpected details contained in last nights budget is the merging of the Migration Review Tribunal and Refugee Review Tribunal with other merit agencies. According to the details contained in the budget material released last night the MRT will soon "work with other key Commonwealth external merits review agencies and relevant departments to implement the Government's decision to amalgamate the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Migration Review Tribunal, Refugee Review Tribunal, Social Security Appeals Tribunal and Classification Review Board with effect from 1 July 2015."

Some of the Outcome Strategies for the DIBP

• a targeted deregulation agenda that reduces impost to industry, business and clients
• effective skills-targeting within the permanent migration and temporary entry
• programme to support industry and businesses
• continued enhancement of the student programme
• ongoing development of the working holiday, visitor and specialist entry programmes
• a robust and sustainable family reunion programme
• the student visa programme supports sustainable growth in the international
• education sector in line with government priorities
• registered migration agents are monitored to ensure the integrity of their conduct and quality of the immigration assistance provided to consumers
• Skill Select moves to becoming the main source of independent skilled migrants
• The permanent Migration Program is delivered within target of less than 190,000 people
• identification and response to suspected breaches of immigration and citizenship law in Australia

And a curious one

• ensure less than 0.015% of total passenger and crew arrivals are refused immigration clearance at airports and seaports.