With one in four Australians born overseas, multiculturalism has become central to Australia’s national identity.
Despite this, there remains an overwhelming fear towards people of different appearances, cultures, and origins.
The underlying myth is that people migrating to Australia overshadow our culture, overburden the social system, and take our jobs and reduce wages.
However, according to a study published by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre in November, migrants are having a positive benefit on the Australian economy and more specifically, the Australian workforce.
The report, Finding A Place to Call Home: Immigration in Australia, examines the evolution of immigration in Australia during the past few years and presents significant evidence about the positive relationship migrants have to the community and economy.
According to Perdaman Global Services Chief Operating Officer Noelene Murray, the introduction of international skilled professionals is a welcome addition to enhancing the capacity of our local workforces.
“Not only is there a positive relationship across all skills-based occupational groups in regards to wages, but there are also many more positive benefits through increased productivity, innovation and knowledge transfers,” Noelene said.
“Australian workers are reaping the benefits of these foreign workers by learning new systems, techniques and skills, which ultimately allow them to advance higher up in their own careers.”
Layke Rossiello, Skills Assessment Manager (Offshore and Domestic) for Gimbal Training, which specialises in trade qualifications and skills assessments, says there are many positive impacts provided by foreign workers.
“We are definitely seeing a trend towards skilled foreign workers boosting productivity in Australia,” Layke said.
“Furthermore, when dealing with qualifications assessments, we have workers for example from the Philippines, who are completely work ready…
“This puts less pressure on the economy and companies have workers who don’t need significant additional training.”
Currently in Australia, skilled migrants contribute more than $100 billion to the economy.
In the absence of migration, Australia’s population is forecast to decrease, leading to potentially disastrous consequences.
The necessity of facilitating skilled migration is evident.
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