Australia could add millions to the economy by more effective policy on skilled migrants where 44 per cent work well below their skill levels and qualifications.

That was one of many statistics and issues discussed at Armidale’s Skeptics In The Pub this week where 68 people came to hear a compelling presentation from migration expert Steve O’Neil.

His topic, The Migration Paradox – The Five Key Myths of Migration, sparked much discussion including the question: “How often have you hopped in a city cab and found your driver has a degree in engineering or accounting?”

Harnessing such skills could add millions to the national economy.

Steve simplified the definition of a paradox: something might be true, but you think it is false and, when something might be false, you think it is true.

When it comes to migration, many people have an impression that Australia is in crisis, when it actually is not.

The date for next month’s Skeptics In The Pub at the Railway Hotel is Tuesday October 22.

“Armidale regular” and international composer and performer, Luke Byrne, will do a special gig on Protest Music.

Luke promises it will be an “all singing retrospective” including performances of Bob Dylan’s Times They Are A Changin’ and Midnight Oil’s Beds Are Burning.