Skilled workers will be able to apply for permanent residency if they live and work in regional areas for three years, in a bid to lure migrants from cities.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Immigration Minister David Coleman outlined the new approach to immigration on Wednesday, saying population was a "key component" to Australia's economy.
"Our population has been a key component of our economic growth, equally our population, if not well managed, can retard growth," Mr Morrison said.
The government will use permanent residency as the bait to ensure skilled workers stay in regional Australia, with a 99 per cent compliance rate in an existing scheme.
