Webs, Weeds and Wisdom | Immigrants are welcome

Those of us who live beyond the Big Smoke know the difficulties caused by the loss of population. We have lived the reduction in medical, hospital and educational options. In NSW the loss of population is reflected in the huge size of some state electorates, making them far too big to service properly. The electorate of Barwon, for example, comprises 44 percent of the land area of NSW!

Sydney and Melbourne might not need any more people but regional Australia does. We definitely shouldn’t stop or low-cap migration.

So, what’s to be done to solve this potential conflict?

I would suggest well thought out public and private infrastructure projects in regional areas providing a range of jobs, together with a visa system that targets those willing to settle for a set period of time, say between two and five years, in regional or rural Australia.

Already we have the working holiday visa for those under 31, which provides a second year extension for those who work for three months in rural areas in agriculture, mining or construction.

Judging from the numbers that apply this has proved very successful. It’s residency stipulation should be extended to other visa classes, particularly those where the applicant seeks permanent residency. Targeted migration settlement reduces the pressure on Sydney and Melbourne and brings welcomed families to fill schools, use hospitals and become a part of community in regional areas. Of course there will be exceptions, such as those family members of Australian citizens, but as a general rule those applying for permanent residency should be expected to experience living in regional Australia.

With respect to the young backpackers: I’ve questioned the 10 or so I’ve met working around Yass as to why they do it and if they enjoy the process. Feedback is very positive; they love our country towns and villages. They enjoy meeting Australian families; in the city they usually only meet fellow backpackers. They get to see the “real Australia” and to learn more about our customs, history and interests.

In the late 70s our whole town sponsored a group of Vietnamese refugees as part of the Federal Government and the Canberra/Goulburn Catholic Archdiocese refugee resettlement initiative. This project was a great success, creating lifelong friendships and greater mutual understanding and appreciation of cultures.

Don’t stop migration! Don’t even set a low cap on migration! Decentralise residency instead! Only then will our migration policy put people where they are needed.