Sophie supports immigration and jobs report

25-February-2009

Federal Liberal Member for Indi Sophie Mirabella has spoken out in support of the findings of the report released by Bob Birrell, Ernest Healy and Bob Kinnaird title ‘Immigration and the nation building and jobs plan’.

“The report offers a critique of immigration policy in relation to the current economic downturn, highlighting a dire need for reform in immigration,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“Many of these migration laws including the 457 temporary work visas were introduced by the Howard Government.”

“Although they worked well at the time, the current financial climate is significantly different,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“457 visas were introduced during a period of economic boom to address a significant skills shortage in Australia. Now, we are experiencing a downturn with rising unemployment.”

“We are yet to see the effects promised by the Rudd Government’s stimulus package. According to the figures in this report, even if the stimulus package does help it won’t be enough if migration continues at the current levels.”

“Projected labour market growth estimates that if net migration continues at 180,000 entrants per year (it is currently over 200,000) then the Australian workforce will grow by 140,000 each year,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“Further, it is estimated that over the next three years approximately 116,000 new school leavers and 100,000 university and diploma graduates will be entering the workforce each year.”

“The old assumptions that migration creates growth just don’t apply anymore. Increased migration might boost Australian production, but there is no one to export to as most of our trading partners are suffering in the global downturn,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“As the report highlights ‘Labor’s migration program constitutes a direct challenge to the interests of domestic workers.’”

”I support the findings of the report that states that the focus now should be on domestic sources of labour.”

“Labor must change its immigration policies as a matter of urgency as more Australians face unemployment in tough economic times,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.