Australia might be best known for its liberal immigration policies. Together, these policies have not only profoundly defined the nation’s demographic landscape, they have ignited the nation’s economic dynamism. The mood has definitely changed, both among the public and on Capitol Hill, against the current rate of high immigration. Historical analysis proves that immigration has been and remains central to Australia’s success since federation in 1901. There is today an odd, zigzag consensus of sorts around this topic.
Chris F. Wright’s 2008 article titled “How Do States Implement Liberal Immigration Policies?” discusses the complexities surrounding immigration policies. Richard Allsop, a research fellow at the IPA, wrote an article in March of 2008. His research considered the historical evolution of the level and composition of Australia’s migration intake and its relationship to trade tariffs over time since federation. This intertwined journey, both a call to action and a celebration of past accomplishments, underscores the deep-rooted connection between immigration and the country’s socio-economic tapestry.
Major policy advances patches happened in John Howard’s prime ministership, especially on the levels of immigration. By the time he left office in 2007, it was on his watch that Australia had tripled their immigration intake to record highs. The main permanent and temporary work visa categories exploded from a base of 162,000 in 1995-96 to more than 439,000 by 2007-08. This surge represented a turning point in Australian immigration policy.
Historical Context of Immigration Policies
Australia’s post-war migration history has been including in many cases, decisive shifts in direction, largely on the basis to mirror overarching socio-economic tide. Allsop wanted to be clear that the rule hasn’t always gone this way. One such instance that fulfilled all these criteria was the post-war migration expansion championed by the Chifley Labor government.
“Of course there have been exceptions — most notably the post-war migration expansion commenced under the Chifley Labor government — but this was certainly an exception to the general rule.” – Richard Allsop
Under Howard, immigration exploded like never before. It was a major signifier shift from the previously staunchly emphasized outsourcing of unskilled labor to reduce costs to the Australian government courting skilled workers for economic stimulation. Throughout this period, the proportion of the population born overseas increased to more than 24%, reaching these heights for the first time since federation. This surge was accompanied by a historic shift in the demographic profile of migrants. The non-European component was over half the total, a clear sign of Australia’s growingly diverse immigrant population.
As George Megalogenis wrote in 2006, Australia’s immigration program had experienced brain bends. Policymakers of both parties have come to accept very high immigration levels as a tool for increasing overall economic growth. They want to widen the labor pool and bring in more taxpayers to address problems including an aging population.
Political Perspectives on Immigration
The politics of immigration in the previous administrations have been highly partisan, with Republicans advocating for hard line policies while Democrats pushed obstruction. Chris Berg is a senior research fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS). In his 2012 follow up, Jade looked at Allsop’s analysis more closely and highlighted how Labor governments led by Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard broke the partisan cycle of immigration policies.
Berg pleaded with Rudd to maintain Howard’s record-high immigration levels. Gee thinks these figures are critical to Australia’s long-term economic viability. He contended that a regular flow of immigrants into the country would promote the health of the labor market as well as the general economic wellbeing.
“One hopes that the Rudd Government can overturn a century of Labor history and continue our current high immigration intake,” – Chris Berg
In 2011, Jessica Brown articulated concerns regarding governmental control over population growth, stating that factors beyond political will often dictated immigration figures. Australia’s population boomed from 3.8 million in 1901 to 25.7 million in 2021. This lightning-fast growth, driven almost exclusively by immigration, deeper etched the challenges in front of the country.
Contemporary Concerns and Critiques
In fact, at historical highs, immigration levels have been celebrated. Yet, increasing critiques of multiculturalism point to its damaging effects with regards to social cohesion and national identity. As Adam Creighton recently wrote, Australia has produced the best possible conditions for recruits to settle in. He cautioned that this favorable dynamic may come under severe strain as civic pressures mount.
Creighton raised the alarm that flooding in rapid legal immigration could radically transform cultural identity. He warned that politicians would take a “quick, nontransparent” route to implementing policy changes if they sought to change the national identity while avoiding pushback.
“If a government wanted to significantly alter the nation’s cultural identity without provoking open resistance, it would likely follow this exact playbook – fast, opaque, technocratic and couched in neutral-sounding economic terms.” – ChatGPT (quoted by Adam Creighton)
He noted that new arrivals could be higher than projected, much higher. He likened this state of affairs to illegal immigration patterns seen in other nations. His comments highlight a rising anxiety from Americans fed up with unchecked population growth and its impacts on society.
“The seven million-plus illegal immigrants largely from developing countries that poured into the US during the Biden administration shocked many. Yet proportionately the influx into Australia has been greater, albeit legal,” – Adam Creighton
Creighton warned that politicians and journalists—often residing in affluent suburbs—might overlook the social challenges arising from increased immigration in outer suburbs where many newcomers settle.
“Politicians and journalists, who overwhelmingly live in expensive suburbs, should realise the potential social mess that’s being created in our outer suburbs.” – Adam Creighton
