A taste of what's to come?
Australian immigration is once again being blamed for a hefty rise in the population of Australia as figures rose above 22 million.
The figures released today, show that the population topped 22 million in September of last year. The actual figure is 22,066,000. Many critics of the Australian migration program are blaming immigrants to Australia for the rise.
Overseas migration for the year ending 30 September 2009 was 297,400, more than half of the overall increase for that year. This keeps the growth rate at 2.1%, compared to 0.7% for the UK and 0.9% for the US, making Australia one of the fastest growing countries in the world.
Western Australia, currently experiencing a mining boom and are actively recruiting migrant workers to fill skilled shortages, recorded the largest percentage gain at 2.9% whereas Tasmania had the smallest gain at 1.0%.
Critics argue that such a fast growth spurt could have devastating consequences for the economy as it struggles to support such a population surge. Environmentalists too are concerned on the impact of Australia’s fragile ecosystem and have urged population growth to be listed in the federal environmental laws as a threat to biodiversity.
This is all in contrast to Kevin Rudd’s plans for a “big Australia” as outlined in October of last year when he announced plans to sustain such a huge population growth: “This Government is building for the future – we call it nation-building for the future. But let’s be optimistic about the fact this country’s growing, so many around the world are heading the other way.”
“I actually believe in a big Australia I make no apologies for that. I actually think it’s good news that our population is growing.”
Back then Mr Rudd was criticised for not having any sustainable plans for water infrastructure, the protection of the environment and maintaining quality of life and prosperity.
Former Premier of New South Wales Bob Carr has urged the government to slash the Australia immigration program by half and Federal Labour MP Kelvin Thomson has said that the figures are “a recipe for environmental devastation.”
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship have already tightened the immigration program, putting a cap on general skilled visas, raising the criteria for English language skills and overhauling the skilled occupation list. But does it go far enough? What do you think – should Australia put a cap on immigration numbers or do you see immigration as good for the economy of the country as a whole? Let us know your thoughts by filling out our comments box below and don’t forget you can debate this topic in our lively online forum.
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4 Responses to “Australian Immigration Blamed For Huge Population Surge”
Comment by Vivienne — March 25, 2010 @ 11:38 am
Kevin Rudd should certainly apologize for imposing his whim of a “big Australia” recklessly onto Australia. He has no right to jeopardize our future without an independent assessment of just what an optimum population would be for our nation. His reasons are flimsy and totally lack substance. Population size is not an indication of prosperity or security. Already housing affordability has crashed, and we can’t keep paying more for energy and water while we get less of it!
We need a population policy for Australia so future leaders have can’t just expect the public to accommodate their dangerous fetishes.
Comment by swinging voter — March 25, 2010 @ 12:14 pm
As a skilled engineer with more than 15 years experience, i spent 9 months of last year unemployed so that Aust could keep importing migrant professional workers. after living in brisbane for 34 years i was forced to leave to look for work in nsw. I have been sacked 5 times for no other reason than to make way for underskilled migrants from 3rd world countries. there are engineering projects that are blatantly discrimnating against australian born engineers so that they can import migrants from 3rd world countries…….
Kev07 is an idiot obsessed with immigration at the expense of australian voters employment. India increases its population by 22million every year, whats the plan here….perhaps we should rescue india by relocating $1billion people to australia???
Comment by Andysmoo — March 25, 2010 @ 10:03 pm
We are well on the way to realizing Lindsay Tanner’s vision of being the Bangladesh of the South Pacific. Remember a few months ago when Tanner, along with KPMG “demographer” Bernard Salt, chastised immigration critics with comments like “what would people in Bangladesh think if we cut our immigration program”. It seems that we just have to turn ourselves into a third world slum,otherwise we risk offending poor foreigners. Makes sense to me.
Comment by vladjs — March 26, 2010 @ 7:17 am
“Many critics of the Australian migration program are blaming immigrants to Australia for the rise.”
Yes I am a critic of our massive population growth, but, I am not blaming “immigrants” I am blaming our nations immigration policy. Subtle distinction but, very important. I think the author of this article knows why!