The news article is more a reflection of (popular) headlines these days on obesity, there isn't a day that goes by here in Aus or NZ that's another headline stating child/adult obesity and it's impact on their health,healthcare and cost.
Seems those that successfully turned smoking around to be anti social behavior are now focusing on obesity and using similar tactics.
As for the point system, yes a PhD will always get through that's because both Australia & NZ are looking for immigrants that can fill high demand professions. Doctors,Scientists are of course always going to be high demand. Lawyers? We have enough of those already.
Basic trades Electricans,plumbers,mechanics etc are high demand as both NZ and Aust turned away from apprentships towards university as the only career path in the 80's & 90's it's only recently that government have started focusing on the trades again as campaign issues.
Nurses,Teachers,Police, IT (programmers,developers not MCP's etc) all high demand. NZ had active campaign for years and still does bringing police over from UK to NZ to fill recruitment requirements as they struggle to maintain numbers over those leaving. Unfort their last big drive resulted in well over half leaving before their first six months.
Australia looks favorably on people that are willing to work in the outback. If your a teacher and agree to two years teaching in the outback might help along way in your case compared to someone who wants to only work in the private city schools.
Mining in Australia also has a huge workforce demand at the moment, if you have any experience in the mining industry there are plenty of well paying jobs available.
But I agree the point system is frustrating i've had cousins from England turned down just by missing out on a few points. Ideally if your under 30 well educated,high demand profession with alteast 5 years experience,healthy and play sport you should be fine. Oh and for Australia answer 20 questions about the nations history. Plus the odd trick question like how many stars on the flag. :-)
Something else on Aussie, if you can get a six month working visa they can automatically extend it to 12mths if you agree to work in the outback. I'm not sure if this is one of those under 30 gigs, but a friend recently came over from South Africa. Started with the six month visa, worked on a farm,extended another 12mths and now shes applying for permenant residency after securing her normal professional job in Sydney.
...-Gixer
