Radio Brisvaani
BRISBANE, AUGUST 21 (MCCQ NEWS DESK)
A broad alliance of business and civil society organisations has called on the Federal Government to convene a national migration summit to move the debate beyond short-term politics and develop a long-term plan for Australia’s migration system.
The alliance said migration was too important to be left to reactive policymaking or political point-scoring. It called for a national approach that strengthens public confidence while recognising the economic, workforce and social contribution of migration.
The proposed summit would bring together governments, business, unions, community and settlement organisations, researchers and other stakeholders to develop a shared national vision for migration.
According to the alliance, discussions should consider Australia’s economic opportunities and workforce needs alongside regional development, social cohesion and the settlement of migrants.
The summit would also provide an opportunity to address concerns surrounding housing affordability, infrastructure and other pressures associated with population growth through evidence-based policy rather than reactive debates focused on migration numbers.
The organisations supporting the call include the Australian Council of Social Service, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, Migration Institute of Australia, Minerals Council of Australia, Refugee Council of Australia, Regional Australia Institute, Settlement Council of Australia, Settlement Services International and the Tech Council of Australia.
Australian Council of Social Service CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie AO said Australia’s diverse, multicultural society was one of its greatest strengths and called for stronger support for newly arrived people so they could live with dignity and safety.
Council of Small Business Organisations Australia CEO Skye Cappuccio said skilled migration was particularly important for small businesses in regional and rural Australia, where labour shortages were a major challenge.
FECCA CEO Prerna Mehta said a skilled and productive workforce and a cohesive multicultural Australia should be treated as connected objectives. She called for a summit that could align economic and workforce planning with settlement and cohesion.
Migration Institute of Australia CEO Peter van Vliet said government, industry and communities should work together on a renewed migration strategy that benefits Australia while maintaining public confidence in the migration system.
Minerals Council of Australia CEO Tania Constable highlighted the importance of skilled migration to the mining industry, saying it helped sustain economic growth, address labour shortages and support regional communities.
