Skilled and safe migration
Jesse J. Fleay, Editor-in-Chief, Research and Policy
Despite the un-Australian rhetoric building, as violence flashes its mindless menace in our streets over race—and over immigration—the Australian Prosperity Institute publicly denounces the claims by various fringe groups and ignorant political representatives that there is a so-called ‘refugee problem’ or an ‘immigration problem.’ The real problem is the lack of safe immigration pathways worldwide, and a global movement of reactive dissidents masquerading as ‘proud Australians.’
Today, global migration is shaped by forces far beyond individual choice. There are higher levels insecurity, combined with escalating climate disruption. With this, rages an international economic crisis, caused by the very nationalism which seeks to blame humanity rather than the economically greedy, and the prejudice they wilfully perpetuate. War now rages across almost every continent, displacing millions, while—at the same time—Australia has struggled to prepare for this fairly unforeseeable wave of human movement. Despite this, migration is not out of control as reactive voices suggest, nor is it to blame for Australia’s current housing crisis.
It would be naïve to suggest that migration brings no challenges. But these challenges are not about people. They are about systems. Australia’s unprepared housing market, rising inequality, and decades of neglect in building social infrastructure have made it harder to welcome new arrivals with fairness and dignity. The strain does not come from refugees or migrants—it comes from political inaction and short-term thinking.
Reactive voices will continue to claim that migration is an imminent threat to Australia: this has always been one of their most fundamentalist claims. Such claims cannot be taken seriously. If any threat exists to Australian society, it is a domestic one: economic insecurity, climate inaction, and the corrosive spread of fear and division—often inflamed by international conflicts and extremist ideologies.
A prosperous response demands investment in skilled and safe migration systems. That means ensuring pathways for people to contribute their talents, while guaranteeing safety and fairness for those fleeing persecution and war. It also means addressing the root causes of insecurity, both at home and abroad: tackling climate change, resisting unnecessary wars, and strengthening international cooperation for peace.
Australia has nothing to fear from migration itself. The Australian Prosperity Institute believes that Australia’s future strength depends on embracing new citizens, preparing our economy and communities, and resisting the politics of fear. Migration, done fairly and safely, is not a threat—it is our opportunity. Those who seek refuge from conflict must also be received fairly, and in line with the international rule of law.
