New migrants to Australia believe they are making a substantial contribution to the economy but are anxious that their efforts are not recognised, according to findings from the Liberal-aligned Centre for Independent Studies.
The report found that while historic migration is broadly regarded as beneficial, many Australians believe the current intake is having a negative effect on society. It also identified a divide between Australian-born people and first-generation migrants over the progress of multiculturalism.
Report author Parnell Palme McGuinness said new arrivals felt they had not been fully accepted despite their contribution.
“New Australians have a strong sense of contribution to Australia, as well as an anxiety that they are not fully embraced,” she said.
First-generation migrants said the main reasons people moved to Australia were better employment prospects, along with cultural and environmental factors.
By contrast, Australian-born citizens ranked escaping conflict and accessing welfare much more highly as motives for migration, while those reasons were near the bottom of the list for migrants themselves.
Skilled migration debate intensifies
The findings come as the Australian Government, the Coalition and One Nation have each announced policies aimed at reducing migration and reconsidering the role of international students and tradespeople in the economy.
Construction groups have used the debate to call for changes to skilled migration rules, arguing that migration should be more closely aligned with persistent workforce shortages.
Tom Hartley, who owns a glass business in Adelaide, said the industry had faced a shortage of glaziers over the past two decades, forcing him to reduce the services his company provides.
“Our applicants (are) almost down to zero,” Mr Hartley said.
He said the company’s most recent local advertisement had attracted only two applications, neither from a qualified tradesperson.
Master Builders South Australia has responded by sourcing qualified tradespeople overseas and connecting them with employers through its Build Connect programme.
Programme lead Melinda Maher said skilled migration in construction should require a recognised trade qualification.
“A Certificate III in a shed in the Philippines …that’s not skilled migration. That is semi-skilled,” Ms Maher said.
However, employers continue to face delays in visa processing, despite a ministerial direction giving priority to targeted applications in sectors including construction.
“Employers are screaming for these people. They’ve been interviewed, screened, they’ve been job offered, and they’re still waiting on visas at the Home Affairs level,” Ms Maher said.
