Australia’s Finance Minister Speaks Out in Support of Immigration

Linday Tanner says Australia should welcome migrants.

Australia’s Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner has seemingly gone against new PM Julia Gillard’s tough stance on immigration and stated that Australia should welcome more, not less, migrants!

Mr Tanner implied that this would help stop many forms of “extremism” breaking out and would eliminate the alienation of certain communities within Australia.

Mr Tanner was making his speech to the Global Foundation’s summit on Australia Unlimited when he made his remarks. He said that Australians need to be more welcoming to new arrivals as many feel a great sense of isolation when they arrive in Australia: “Extremism is created by alienation,” he stated, adding that Australia had a responsibility to provide fairness in its dealing with migrants.

He even went a step further adding: “We should be actively welcoming people.” He said that it was vital that Australia invested in people and opportunities to make the most of the skills that many migrants bring to the country.

Perhaps to Ms Gillard’s relief, Mr Tanner will be retiring at the next election, perhaps this is why he has chosen to speak out on the thorny issue of immigration in Australia. It will be seen as a direct challenge to Ms Gillard’s views, who has gone out of her way to assure Australians that immigration levels will be reduced in the forthcoming years. In recent weeks the Australian media have largely and squarely put the blame of an increasing population onto the shoulders of immigrants. Yet Mr Tanner remains optimistic about Australia’s future, adding that he thought Australia was “in a superb position.”

Mr Tanners comments on immigration are backed up by many big businesses in Australia who are concerned that tighter regulations on Australian visas will mean fewer workers to fill the skilled workforce gaps. Just last month the head of Woodside Petroleum, Don Voelte, warned that Australia faced major skills shortages.

If you would like to know more about living in Australia then read our Australia immigration guide and consider joining our free online community for more support and advice.

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