Beyond the migration myths: Real solutions for our social cohesion |
For too long, Australia's immigration debate has allowed critics to make a narrow argument focusing on jobs, wages and housing, a "they take all of our jobs and houses" chant. None of these is a true metric, and as economic indicators, they are functionally meaningless.
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Data from research by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) found "no evidence" that immigration has harmed the wages or employment of Australians. Conversely, while supporters claim migrants boost wages, the Productivity Commission's research concluded that the impact on wages and employment is "positive but small".
However, research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) demonstrates that migrants contribute significantly to business ownership and job creation.
Some argue Australia must import young people to combat an ageing population. But as the federal government's own Intergenerational Report concedes, migrants also age. Attempting to stay young through sheer volume requires an exponential intake that eventually collapses.
Meanwhile, Australian infrastructure, hospitals, schools and roads are buckling. When the costs of new infrastructure are fully accounted for, they largely offset the tax revenue........