With another election looming, there is talk and policy movement around reducing migration. And it's a safe bet that commentary about migration will be ramped up as the poll date approaches.
Questionable narratives, from some commentators, around how migrants take homes and jobs from Australians are depressingly familiar but also damaging and demonstrably wrong.
The government plans to reduce net overseas migration to 260,000 next year. The opposition plans to shrink the permanent migration number to 160,00.
But we need to remember permanent migration is only part of the picture. Most immigrants arrive in Australia on temporary visas and then some of these people later apply for permanent places.
About 60 per cent of permanent visas go to people already in the country on temporary or student visas. So, reducing net overseas migration is really about reducing temporary migration – the largest component of which are international students.
And most economists say cutting migration will have little effect on housing affordability but may damage economic growth while creating even greater skills shortages.
Nevertheless, rhetoric around migration levels when linked to push-button issues such as housing, jobs and urban congestion are damaging to migrant communities.
These debates of themselves can generate fear and apprehension in migrant communities.And one only has to think about the recent deadly, real-life consequences of these issues reaching a feral level of toxicity online to understand the risks involved.
The recent federal budget was pleasing in that it demonstrated the current government's continued support for migration, refugee settlement, multiculturalism and strong social cohesion.
The budget included a commitment to 20,000 humanitarian places for the next two years and an increase in funding in recognition of the importance of providing specialist settlement services to ensure people can settle well.
But in an environment where migration becomes divisive political issue, our work at AMES Australia in supporting new arrivals and diverse communities will be more important than ever.
Well-functioning immigration and humanitarian programs will be critical to Australia's future economic prosperity.
Our work supporting successful settlement and in harnessing the skills and experience migrants and refugees bring is, and will continue to, make a strong contribution to the economy and preserving the high levels of social cohesion we enjoy.
Cath Scarth, AMES Australia CEO
24 May 2024