Skilled migrants will have their visa applications accelerated if they move to regional Australia under a $19.4 million plan.
Immigration Minister David Coleman on Friday announced the initiative as state and territory treasurers met in Canberra to discuss population growth and congestion issues.
The money will be used over four years and Department of Home Affairs officials will travel to regional areas to help local businesses get more skilled workers.
Under the plan, there will be priority processing for visas sponsored by employers in regional areas, as well as agreements where local councils are able to recruit workers from overseas.
