Immigration to Australia Needs to Be Halted for At Least a Decade

Don’t worry, that’s not the official view.

Not everybody likes immigrants and some people will do whatever they can to try and stop people from wanting to moving here to Australia from overseas.

One such person decided to leave a comment on this website over the weekend, meet…

Joe

Not JoeThe picture is not really Joe, I have no idea what Joe looks like. But Joe has a lot to say and I like to put pictures in each post, so it will do for me.

So, what did Joe have to say?

Let’s go through it shall we? You can read Joe’s full comment here, but everything he says in it is shown below in bold.

To be absolutely truthful….

Okay, let’s stop it there for a moment. I don’t know about you, but when someone starts a conversation with a declaration of the truth that is about to follow, I always smell a rat.

Maybe that’s just me though, let’s move on…

To be absolutely truthful, Australia is already bursting at the seams with immigrants – yet we don’t have (and never have had) the infrastructure to support you, which is why immigration to Australia needs to be halted for at least a decade.

To say this country doesn’t have the infrastructure to support immigration is pure nonsense. Infrastructure is something you build, and when you build it you create jobs. I’m not sure how clever Joe is, but I’m pretty sure Rupert Murdoch is a smart cookie. He says Australia needs to embrace high immigration to add dynamism to the economy, enhance its human capital and create strong bonds with the rest of the world.

A nation as small as ours will increasingly depend on trade. And the more people we have with ties to other parts of the world, the greater our advantage when we seek trade relationships with these nations.

Source: The Guardian

Back to Joe…

The crime rate has escalated incredibly in all cities and country areas since the floodgates were opened say 30 years ago, and murders that 20 years ago were unheard of, are now common. No matter where you go today, you will find this. Of course, the amount of crime is worse in the cities, but occurring more and more frequently and violently in country areas.

This clearly implies that immigration is responsible for the rising crime rate and that suggestion says more about Joe than it does about crime.

As for “murders that 20 years ago were unheard of” I googled “Australia 20 year old murder” and at number three in the results was a news story from February 2012 in which a 20-year-old murder mystery have been solved and a 42-year-old man was charged with murder.

Source: The Australian

So, seems murders were heard of 20 years ago, but that’s just one story, this though is a fact.

According to the historical murder rates for 33 countries, as per the OECD, Australia currently stands at 0.8 assault deaths per 100,000 people. In all, 11 countries have a lower rate than us, three countries have the same murder rate and 17 have a higher murder rate than Australia.

The USA, at 5.2 per hundred thousand, is 6 1/2 times higher.

But here’s the crunch, 20 years ago Australia’s murder rate was 1.9 per 100,000, almost 2 1/2 times the rate it is today.

On that basis, Joe’s statements about crime are just simply wrong.

Source: quandl.com

Joe has an opinion on housing too…

Rents are sky-high, accommodation is at a premium, and this will not stop. Melbourne is severely overcrowded, as is Sydney (top price for real estate in Sydney now – unaffordable to most of the population).

The two cities mentioned are obviously Australia’s biggest and they are more expensive than elsewhere in Australia. Lots of people want to live in these places and that affects the price of houses there. This is called supply and demand and is not limited to Sydney and Melbourne.

Croydon is a town in South London, around 10 miles (16 kilometres) from the city. According to statistics, the average price of a house there is £344,715. At today’s exchange rates, that’s something like $613,000.

Source: croydonguardian.co.uk

Croydon isn’t an especially desirable place to live, Google “is Croydon UK a good area” and you will see what I mean.

I know for sure that there are plenty of suburbs around Sydney, maybe not quite as close as 16 kilometres, with property for sale in the $600,000-$700,000 price range, some of them four bed detached.

Expensive housing isn’t a problem that restricts itself to Australia.

Joe says…

Jobs VERY hard to find, even with University degrees. Even fully qualified lawyers are finding it tough to get jobs (especially the young just out of university). All those years of training and no jobs!Unemployment is rising and millions of Australians are on welfare benefits which are strained to the hilt.

Here are some of the most recent unemployment figures from the English-speaking countries around the world.

Unemployment figures 2014:

Unemployment figures 2014:Source: tradingeconomics.com

As you can see, Australia isn’t doing bad, comparatively. Yes, I know some people will claim that these are the ‘real unemployed figures’ because they don’t count left footers or whatever, but they are the official figures.

Whatever tricks anyone might think Australia are up to to get those numbers down, you can bet your life every other country is up to the same tricks as well. So it’s what we have to work.

Globally, jobs are hard to come by, again this isn’t an Australian thing, but by comparison, we are not doing too bad.

Many people are sleeping on the streets especially in our cities, even at age around 40, and have no home to go to. Young families are living in shoddy caravan parks to try to survive.

Homelessness is also a worldwide issue. Here in Australia it is estimated that we have 100,000 people sleeping on the streets out of our 22 million population. Canada though, with just under 35 million people, has 200,000 on the streets.

Source: homelessworldcup.org

Our health system is strained and over-burdened.

Not in my experience. It’s never difficult getting an appointment with my doctor and when I had a medical emergency recently it was dealt with swiftly. When my wife broke her leg, that also went very well.

There were no signs, ever, of anything being strained or overburdened.

If you have a LOT of money and can buy a home at the cost of around half a mill. for a family, you may be okay for a while – other than that, it’s not great here anymore. I guess you need to truly ask: is it much different to where you live now? You deserve to be told the truth, not some “rose-coloured glasses” story about this country, and I do find that “BobinOz” is leaning quite heavily on the “sugar coated picture” rather than reality.

I have been privileged to live in two countries, the UK and now Australia. This gives me a great opportunity to compare the two countries and I know that whatever problems Australia might have, the UK has also, often worse.

My suspicion from Joe’s comment is that he is a born and bred Australian who can only compare Australia now with what Australia was like 20 years ago.

Well…

  • Two decades ago, in 1991, 73 per cent of Australians thought we were taking in too many immigrants.
  • Last year 47 per cent of Australians thought immigration levels were too high.
  • This year the results show a more positive attitude towards immigration; 39 per cent think there are too many migrants coming in, while 55 per cent are happy with the levels.

Joe, you’re living in the past.

Source: abc.net.au

Visa Assessment Service
{ 33 comments… add one }
  • Ben March 11, 2016, 1:00 am |

    I agree with Bob… I think there are too many of them and this is especially evident in the tertiary education system. I am a Australian citizen and I had my enrolment into cert 3 commercial cookery cancelled so they could allow another international student in. They are everywhere and I think the majority of people who do not have a problem with it aren’t living in areas or in positions where it affects them negatively. Personally I don’t give a rats a** how many we have in relation to other countries, we have too many of them for his our country currently stands.

    • BobinOz March 11, 2016, 6:57 pm |

      Actually Ben you are agreeing with Joe, not me. Did you read the article?

  • ifeetugga December 28, 2014, 2:11 pm |

    @Mike Jordana-Glad to see you again! Looks like you’re virtually supporting what I wanted to say, that because of a decrease in demand, the Dept. of Immigration in Oz might just be compelled to reduce fees…there you go! The Invisible Hand in action!
    @Petronije-I’m afraid that you’re viewing immigration in a one dimensional manner. I don’t know what kinda immigrants you’ve had to experience, but those who immigrate bring with them multiple skills and factors that will be of immense benefit to the nation. This includes skills, money and diversity. Most immigrants are self-reliant and are on their feet in no time after they move to Oz or Canada. These people work hard, spend their hard earned money and even pay their taxes. All of this helps to create jobs and provides revenues that result in better roads, schools, etc.
    Now if the Govt. isn’t utilizing the revenues properly, how can you blame skilled workers/immigrants?
    Even if you don’t buy into the sentiment of Oz or Canada having an immigrant past, you should at least look at the economic/financial benefits. That being said, it’d be crazy to restrict immigration just because some poor fellow is out of a job. Even then, just because the door has closed, does that mean that another window won’t open up? And that too because of a very skilled immigrant who believed in the nation to invest in her people?
    it’s not just real estate, it’s the economy as a whole. Like it or not, ultimately, it’ll open up opportunities beyond imagination, and if one can’t avail them, who is to blame?
    The old adage that hard work pays is still alive in my view. So instead of abhorring immigration, perhaps it’s time that the average Aussie who has been brought up with anti-immigration beliefs (And when did YOU take a survey and come to the conclusion that if they could, the average Aussie would take a breather from immigration?)should closely scrutinize the lifestyle, work ethics and skills of the average skilled worker/ immigrant and learn something instead of complaining. It seems that many are perhaps not aware that the Govt. scrutinizes thoroughly (these days) before they allow someone to immigrate to Oz or Canada, and believe it or not, if the same principals were to be applied to the local born Aussie or Canuck, many would fail! So it’d be conceited of the average local born Aussie or Canadian national to think that he/she is more superior just because that person was lucky enough to be “native-born”. It doesn’t make you a true Aussie/Canadian, it just makes you a spoiled brat looking down on others! So instead of complaining, try competing; a good living standard must be earned, and by no means is it a handout.

    • BobinOz December 29, 2014, 11:13 pm |

      A sturdy and well thought out answer to Petronije ifeetugga, a light round of applause for you, well-deserved 🙂

      • ifeetugga January 8, 2015, 2:29 pm |

        Thank you kindly Bob…glad you appreciate my views! I understand that everyone has his/her own opinion, but if they are formed based on misconception or being misinformed or if it’s downright ignorance, then it’s only prudent to speak up using logic. Personally, I’m not looking for ‘glory’ or recognition, but if I can somehow set straight the wrong views of some misguided soul, then it’s worth it.
        Please keep up the good work.
        Cheers!

  • Petronije December 28, 2014, 1:13 pm |

    Heh,

    BobInOz – you do wear rose tinted glasses (but then this is also the official policy of the UK, USA and generally the anglosphere – that it really comes as no surprise (I have lived in more than just those countries so can compare better))

    The only reason Australia – and Rupert – promote immigration is to keep the property and credit ponzi going – and make sure enough cheap labor is imported to compensate for lazy Australians (of which I proudly am one, not bashing any behavior here – that’s why everyone buys into the ponzi to begin with)

    If there was a real economy in Oz this wouldn’t really be needed – alas, there isn’t one, no one produces anything of high value, so the whole let’s keep the property demand high by high immigration game is simply the only game in town (hence the simpleton behavior and views familiar to most Australians – and not mentioned to potential immigrants who then find such simplicity shocking for a supposedly developed nation)

    Regarding immigration – if there was another way, most Aussies would take a breather from it for a while – but the risk of showing just how non-existent the local economy really is means we can’t really afford this (else property prices will collapse and everyone’s dreading that thought – at least the majority with the vested interest in it)

    I lived in Sydney in 1990s and again from 2014 – it is noticeably busier and more crowded – and that is not a good thing by any measure (except if you thing that permanently high housing prices are a benefit worth overcrowding the place for – in my view, more is lost by it than gained).

    Now back to rose tinted views – I understand the official propaganda must be followed (saw this in eastern europe – and anglosphere long since took the lead on fabricating an adjusted reality as and when politically required – all the way to the inevitable end…)

    • BobinOz December 29, 2014, 11:07 pm |

      The glasses I got came from specsavers, they didn’t have a name on them, just a long number. Not sure where you get your eyewear from, I’d take them back if I were you, because there is nowhere on this planet that property investment can be described as a Ponzi scheme, you pay your money and you get something, a property. A house to live in.

      With a Ponzi scheme you get a promise and sometimes nothing else.

      You are entitled to your views though, I just don’t agree with them. By the way, there is no official propaganda being followed on my website, or official policy of any kind. Oh, and the whole world is getting more crowded, but then I suspect you noticed that having lived in many countries, so it’s not just Sydney.

  • ifeetugga May 22, 2014, 5:03 pm |

    @owusu frimpong-Hello there. I’m no lawyer, but as far as I know, Provincial Nomination isn’t the only way to get Canadian Permanent Residency(PR). Like Australia, Canada has several means to become a PR, including applying as a Skilled Worker, a programme which the Government has started again since May 2014(although with a cap of about 25,000 from 50 occupations). From January 2015, the Canadian Government will start a Fast Track process where based on your skills(experience in certain occupations, language skills, age, etc.) you can be approved for a Permanent Residency. I’m afraid that I don’t exactly know the details because it’s not official yet, but chances are, it’s similar to the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) programme that’s currently in place (and to my knowledge this will be the last time that applications for PR will be considered under the FSW programme). It’s expected to expedite the application process.
    I think I know how you feel. It’s because of the high cost of applying to Oz that many skilled people are deterred from applying for Australian PR. As Bob said, supply and demand is key, but in my view, with such high costs, the “Invisible Hand” as we call it in Economics, will set in, because the costs might result in less demand for Australian PR and an increase in the demand for Canadian PR. In that case, it’d be Australia’s loss 🙁 .
    Just a thought. Please feel free to comment. I still feel that someone needs to do something (like starting a petition) to make the Oz government reconsider these outrageous fees. Like Bob said, if, God in Heaven forbid, your application isn’t successful, all that money goes down the drain 🙁 !
    If you’ve already made up your mind about moving to Australia, then go for it! Otherwise, since you’re still young, you may wanna consider your options for Canada (assuming the cold weather we get here and which often deters people and they select Australia instead is not a factor for you). If either Australia or Canada benefits from your skills, I’m sure you’ll be welcomed with open arms. At the moment, you need to decide based on your options, work hard and save as best as you can,be patient and not lose hope. I think Bob, with his background and his experience regarding how he was able to fulfill his dream of moving to Oz, would probably say the same thing.
    Good luck! May you be another inspirational story for future immigrants and a perfect answer/example for those who are delusional with the thought that immigration is what kills a nation.

    • BobinOz May 22, 2014, 6:36 pm |

      Just wanted to add that 1 July is when the government often change the rules and the jobs that are on the skills list, so I’m not sure why you are waiting until then, but be aware that some things may change. Including the application fee, either up or down, I just wanted you to be aware of that.

      Cheers, Bob

    • Mike Jordana May 24, 2014, 1:24 pm |

      Ifeetugga said, “As Bob said, supply and demand is key, but in my view, with such high costs, the ‘Invisible Hand’ as we call it in Economics, will set in, because the costs might result in less demand for Australian PR and an increase in the demand for Canadian PR. In that case, it’d be Australia’s loss.” Hi there Ifeetugga! We meet again! You might recall we did a discussion recently that involved Bangladesh.

      Anyway, I believe you said you were an economist. So you will most likely appreciate the mechanics of the simple supply-demand curve, which predicts that if prices rise beyond equilibrium—whether due to greed or to the capitalist idea of making-hay-while-the-sun-shines—then as you said, demand will decrease accordingly, relative to supply.

      But, when the Department of Immigration (I call them simply that because they keep changing their name) sees visa applications slow to a trickle as a result, what do you think they will do? I mean, if they have an ounce of brains. Why, reduce prices back to equilibrium. Of course, I’m not considering inflation (or deflation, which is more apropos in this day and age).

      I’m also not considering the possibility that our friend Joe might have become the Minister for Immigration, in which case all bets are off.

  • owusu frimpong May 22, 2014, 5:55 am |

    @ifeetuga, yes I’m from Ghana and a young guy, I have started the immigration process since last November 2013.skill assessment positive and IELTS sorted, just waiting for 1st July, to apply for SA SS. I am saving a lot to meet the visa fees . I sometimes, lose hope . the depreciation of the cedi isn’t helping matters, due to my ambition, I ride to work which colleagues dnt understand because my position warrants me at least, a motor bike but can’t buy because, I am investing chunk if my monthly salary to meet the visa costs and flight cost. My original intention was Canada but oz is offering me the chance because I dnt know anybody in Canada to facilitate my immigration since all provincial nominations require a connection to province albeit the visa fee is much affordable than oz but still keeping dream alive.
    Thanks BOB for keeping us posted for wannabe prs of oz.
    Oz, here I come hopefully,2015.

  • ifeetugga May 13, 2014, 3:22 pm |

    I’m glad you approve Bob.
    I really liked how you said that the fees being charged these days by the government are more like ‘high ticket entry fees”. Haha, well said!
    I think it’s time someone petitioned the government to reduce these fees. Sure, they’d justify them with some explanation about the costs, etc. associated with processing one’s immigration visas, but isn’t charging the primary applicant over A$3k a little too much? Not to mention over A$1,500 if you’ve got dependents. So if you’re an applicant with a spouse/partner with, say, two children, it’s gonna cost over A$8k…unbelievable!
    Even Canada doesn’t charge that much! No where near that much.
    Sorry if I sound excited, but no one should be charged so much. I understand it’s a privilege to be granted the right to live in Oz(and become a citizen some day), but you can’t bankrupt someone for that privilege now, can you? What do you guys say(sorry, I might have digressed a little from the topic) ? I think that these fees might deter potential migrants who have all the skills but sadly may be a little short on cash, especially those applying from developing nations(say, the Indian subcontinent, or some of the applicants from the less well off African nations) and that in turn could eventually backfire with less applications being received for immigration.
    I feel that something needs to be done about this. The Oz government needs to wake up and do something. I’m not asking for anything like the “Ten Pound POM” scheme to be reintroduced, just that the fees should be reasonable and fair.
    Any thoughts?

    • BobinOz May 14, 2014, 9:24 pm |

      It’s the old ‘supply and demand’ thing isn’t it? I don’t think the government have any shortage of applications at the moment and the additional income is pretty handy. So good luck with a petition, I think I know what might happen to it 🙂

      I think the fees are expensive, but worse than that is that is that you lose your fee if your application is unsuccessful. That’s harsh!

      But I think you are asking what other people think as well, so if anyone else wants to chime in on that, please do.

  • ifeetugga May 12, 2014, 7:23 pm |

    The U.S, Canada and Australia(and to an extent the U.K) can be, in my view, considered the ‘primary’ immigration hotspots in the world that we live in today. Often, when you yourself are unqualified and can’t find decent jobs, you look for a scapegoat to blame.
    Looks like this Joe character found his in immigrants. Good for him. I hope that he got his moment of peace with at least someone to blame.
    Observe closely and you’ll see that Australia, like Canada, is now open to you if you’re young, highly skilled with a decent university degree and speak the English language fluently(In fact, Australia’s requirement for the IELTS is quite high, and Canada is following suit in that regard), regardless of race, religion, country of origin, skin colour or gender.
    With such high requirements, those who once dreamed of moving to Australia have no choice but to shelve them. Contrary to what Joe thinks, I also feel that immigration to Australia or Canada should NOT be stopped, but at best, be controlled to only let in the best and brightest so that the nation benefits, while at the same time,steps need to be in place so that those thinking of coming over illegally will not even cherish that thought.
    With my (fortunately)background in Economics, I’m of the opinion that immigration is a good thing. In the Australian context, you have to pay a hefty fee to be issued your visa; money which goes to the Government’s pocket and is used to build infrastructure and so on. Potential immigrants don’t all arrive with empty pockets as many bring a decent amount of cash with them, which goes into Australian banks and improves savings. Immigrants who start up businesses provide jobs to many Australians. With a stricter requirements for checking your background, it’s more difficult for someone to come into Australia or Canada these days with a criminal record. So if this Joe bloke is under the impression that crime is going out of control thanks to immigrants, he, like Bob said, is really living in the past, or, in my view, some other parallel world.
    I’m really encouraged to see that just about everyone so far has strongly disagreed with Joe’s views. These are the kinds of values and morals that should constitute Oz society, and not bigots like Joe who give the nation a bad name. Sadly, like Bob pointed out, people like him can be found everywhere around the world, including Canada, where, forgive my bias(or the extreme pride that I feel)- and I hope TT will back me up- tolerance of other cultures along with multiculturalism is widespread and something to be proud of. If Canadians can do it, so can the Aussies, given their similarity when it comes to the issue of immigration.
    If you have such an ill informed, ignorant and narrow mind, please don’t call yourself a true Aussie(or Canadian), because you have no clue what it means to be a true Aussie/Canadian and you need to read up on the nation’s history and, if possible, rethink about the kind of views that you hold/have held so dearly.

    • BobinOz May 13, 2014, 2:28 pm |

      Hear hear!

      You’ve summed it up pretty good there ifeetugga, spot on in fact. The policies you mention are pretty much already in place here in Australia, as you know. Australia is highly selective with regards to who they let in, if it wasn’t for my younger and better educated wife, I wouldn’t be here at all myself.

      The immigration procedure as it currently is set up can only improve this country. And as for those fees the government charges for visas, they are huge these days. These aren’t admin fees, these are high ticket entry fees.

      Australia, like Canada, are using immigration to their own country’s advantages and it’s difficult to see how or why anyone should think it’s not a good idea.

      Thanks for taking the time to make such considered post.

      Cheers, Bob

  • BobinOz April 8, 2014, 7:54 pm |

    Firstly, thank you all for your comments and input, it’s good to see that nobody is siding with Joe…..

    Yet!

    I’m sure someone will come along at some point 🙂

    As you are all quite rightly pointing out, Australia’s immigration policy is very strict, as a general rule nobody gets in unless they have skills, qualifications, are young and can speak English. Others could get here providing they have a wad of cash.

    It’s highly selective as any of you trying to get here will have noticed, sometimes, no doubt, to your frustration. It’s hard to see how this system though will not benefit Australia in the long run.

    Pending immigration, yes, I understand what you’re saying about unemployment in Europe and those 15 to 24-year-old unemployment figures in some European countries look absolutely horrendous. Talk about bleak future for the kids.

    Ernie In AZ, that waiting lists must be getting shorter, it was 15 years last time I heard it 🙂

    Shane, for everything you think he is, he’s not stupid and he knows a thing or two about prosperity. You can hate him, but it doesn’t mean he’s not right about the best way forward for Australia.

    TT, every country has the kind of people you talk about in your first comment, but I’m glad you made the second comment as well 🙂

    Thanks again, Bob

  • Ernie In AZ April 8, 2014, 1:46 pm |

    Oh no! What are we going to do about all those lawyers who can’t find jobs????

    I’m also sure that if you were to have asked the Aborigines in 1788 if Australia needed immigrants they would have said, “No, we’re full”.

    Seriously though, this guy is either a bigot or just a troll. We all come from somewhere else. Even if your ancestors came 40,000 years ago, you are still the product of immigration. Somewhere down the line, one of your relatives took what they could and made a new home down under. And that process continues today.

    Immigrants are an easy target for blame to a whole host of perceived problems. But the reality is, immigrants bring new skills, energy, food, and culture to our society. And personally, I think that’s a good thing!

  • César April 8, 2014, 12:29 pm |

    To Joe,

    You should see Costa Rica if you think Australia is in that bad of a position regarding inmigrants, infraestructure, crime, homeless people, unemployment, healthcare system… 20% of our population, which barely reach 6 million, live in extreme poverty which means they cannot fulfill 3 meals a day, that means over 1 million people go to bed without having supper and will wake up and start their day without breakfast… And you think Australia has problems due to inmigration… Please…

  • TT April 8, 2014, 11:38 am |

    I am a Canadian living in Sydney Australia. Unlike this guy, I have ‘actual’ real time knowledge of other countries as I’ve lived in 5 and traveled to many more. I have to say with my experience of Australia so far, the main down point are the Aussies who have always lived in Oz, never traveled, and have small minds. THEY are what’s bringing Australia down.
    A good immigrant or thousand does a country good! We bring other points of view, culture, and as a Canadian, respect to those who aren’t sure what that entails. I love Australia so far, BUT, I’ve met some unsavory people here unfortunately, and they’ve ALL been small town Aussies with big egos and small minds.
    It’s about time Australia grew up and immigrated. 🙂

    • TT April 8, 2014, 11:41 am |

      PS. DISCLAIMER ****NOT SAYING all small towners are small minded. after all I come from a small town. So I’ll assume that if you’re a sensitive small minded Aussie, I will get some hate responses from this. If you’re not, you probably have thought the same thing at some point.

  • Linah April 8, 2014, 7:30 am |

    Australian economy depends very much on Immigrants..Australia simply cannot survive without immigrants..They contribute the second large income after mines…to the economy because even though it is a big country but the percentage of arable soil is too low which could be the reason why food is expensive in Australia.

  • Shane April 8, 2014, 6:09 am |

    If there is one bloke who we should ignore in this article, it is Rupert Murdoch. He is someone who has forsaken his country’s citizenship for greed and has forfietted the right to pass judgement on what we do.. He is the most insidious, slimy, moral-less, unscrupulous and any other unflattering term that you can think of, individual this country has produced. I am ashamed that he came from Australia.

  • Also Pending Immigrant April 8, 2014, 5:28 am |

    From what I have seen on every expat/immigration forum I’ve peeked into, and from what my hubby (an Aussie) tells me, Australia is one of the toughest countries to immigrate into. I have an advantage in that I am married to an Aussie citizen (not to mention I have skills on the infamous Skills list), but those without such a connection seem to be jumping through hoop after hoop and still not able to get in.

    We get the same sorts of arguments against immigration here in the States. What I think people often forget is that, at one time or another, *everyone* was an immigrant (except for the indigenous population). Fresh influx of people, especially in a country as sparsely populated as Australia, means more folks to work, purchase goods, and bring a unique diversity to the country.

    • Ernie In AZ April 8, 2014, 2:06 pm |

      Unless you have skills, money, or are married to an Aussie, legal immigration is virtually impossible. Some may make the case that some companies abuse 457 visas, but even those people pay for their own medical and school fees. 457 visas aren’t even permanent, so you still have to leave at some point.

      We looked into what it would take to sponsor my Canadian in-laws to immigrate (just out of curiosity). The waiting list is 13 years long. Or we could pay $100,000+ and wait 1 year. So, it looks like the in-laws are staying in Canada.

      • Damien July 26, 2015, 4:25 pm |

        What rubbish. 300000 migrants a year…. don’t tell me that is difficult. One third to Melbourne. Just say you are willing to pay 25% over the going rate for a house so that the locals can’t compete and you’re in……
        Traffic snarls, hospital ramping, unemployment and unaffordable housing. common factor? population increasing faster than resources/services.

        • BobinOz July 26, 2015, 11:59 pm |

          Ha ha, that’s funny Damien. You come in here accusing other people of talking rubbish, and then you make your own completely ridiculous comment.

          Let’s see how that would work.

          “Hello, is that Australian immigration? Ah, great. I’m a foreigner, doesn’t matter which country I live in right now and I’d rather not tell you my age. I don’t have any skills or qualifications, but I tell you what, I’m willing to pay 25% over the going rate for a house in your country so that the locals can’t compete, can I have a visa?”

          “Hey, thanks for your call, you’re just the kind of person we’re looking for here in Australia. Sure, I’ll send you a visa straight away in the post, just let me have your name and address.”

          Read that back to yourself Damien and tell me what is what isn’t rubbish.

          • ifeetugga March 20, 2016, 2:08 pm |

            Exactly! Well said Bob! It’s a pity that some people think in such an illogical manner and make a complete fool of themselves. Obviously, you have every right to express yourself, but at least make sense and back it up with logic. Otherwise, what’s the point?

  • Pending immigrant April 8, 2014, 2:04 am |

    I think Australia is doing a stellar job controlling immigration – education-wise you are getting a high share of university graduates (http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2012/12/daily-chart-2) which should be a motivated bunch – they are more likely to try and find employment and maybe have decent prospects of taking care of their kids themself, and not just looking for entitlements. (BTW, that’s another thing Mr Murdoch said, “Don’t look for entitlements, have a go!”.) I think people who are coming to Oz on the (costly!) Skill Select system have an incentive and motivation to seek work and contribute to the society. Bob you’re very correct, in Europe the unemployment is in an entirely different ballpark than Australia’s, and getting worse especially for the young.
    Back here in Europe we’re facing an entirely different situation. EU’s open borders, free movement of non-working immigrants means there is quite a bit of pure intentional “welfare shopping”, associated with increase of theft, begging (beggar children on the street instead of school) and shabby living (squatters). It’s not a pretty picture and if Joe has this in his mind, it’s no wonder he’s worried for the development. It is getting crowded in parts of UK, to be fair – and unfortunately sometimes with people who have no intention whatsoever to contribute to the community or to integrate to the society.

  • djmcbell April 7, 2014, 11:27 pm |

    Immigration needs to be CONTROLLED, not halted. Australia has plenty of room, if it is willing to build the infrastructure and create jobs. Are any new towns or cities being built in Australia? And if not, why not?

    Fortunately Australia does seem to have quite a good handle on controlling immigration and I would imagine the vast majority of immigrants make valuable contributions to the country, chiefly because the Australian immigration process seems quite strict. It should be in no danger of the “immigrants coming here, taking our jobs, stealing from our homes” scenario envisioned by Joe.

    • Jai August 8, 2015, 11:56 am |

      Migration really needs to be tightened up. Australia, Sydney in particular is becoming as overcrowded as the United Kingdom.No particular race is dominating we just have too many people in Sydney now. It is getting much more difficult to find peace and quiet and becoming too much like New York.If they want to expand Sydney. Expand it into the red desert as I am not staying to see millions more people arriving here in the next 10 years and I am Australian and preferred it as it used to be.

      • BobinOz August 8, 2015, 8:38 pm |

        No country or place is how it used to be Jai, every country’s population is on the rise, with or without immigration.

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

If your comment doesn’t get answered, find out why…..
FAQs and Comment Policy.