The scheme could help the government rein in the budget deficit by bringing in tens of billions of dollars in extra revenue.
Such a scheme could help the government rein in the budget deficit by bringing in tens of billions of dollars in extra revenue and allow it to trim the number of public servants administering Australia's immigration system.
But the proposals have alarmed business groups and unions, who say tackling skills shortages should remain the focus of Australia's immigration policy. Ethnic community groups say they would oppose any moves that would prevent poorer immigrants from re-uniting with their families.