Australia is an inclusive and tolerant society, a nation build up by multicultural people from different homelands and cultural backgrounds. It’s national identity is minted by this cultural diversity in all spheres of Australian life. Therefore Australia persues the policy of multiculturalism. Since World War II the former “white australia policy” has disintegrated more and more. So the ethnic-discriminating policy changed into the open minded policy today. “This policy evolved from profound changes to Australian society resulting from a major influx of migrants and has been maintained and furthered on a non-partisan basis by successive governments.” (DIMIA 2001: 1) However even Australia perceives the pressure of Demographic changes. The change in the demographic structure because of declines in fertility rate requires an elementary Impact on Australia's economy.
Recent demographic changes have implications for many fields of economic life, including workforce structure, retirement incomes, health expenditures, and consumption of goods and services. (cp. PC-GOV 2004)
Like in other Western high-income countries, Australia tries to compensate for some of the problems caused by demographic change by concentrating on (highly-)skilled workers; the magic words are “brain-gain and brain-drain”.
Both terms apply to scientists, physicians , medical practitioners, engineers and other professionals from less-developed countries moving to work in high-income countries. The effects of gaining and draining have a positive impact on the affected countries of getting highly-skilled workers or losing the important brains, the “education-sector” invested time and money in.
This short report is a preliminary estimate of the Australian brain-gain and tries to give some of the main facts of this recent phenomenon.
Table of Contents
I Foreword
II Australian Migration History
III Commonwealth Immigration Restriction Act
IV The postwar years
V Today’s Migration
V.I Australia’s Immigration System
Humanitarian Program
Migration Program
Program Range
V.II Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) Visa
V.III Humanitarian program
VII Review
Research Objective and Topics
This report provides an analytical overview of the shift in Australian migration patterns, specifically focusing on the transition from historical exclusionist policies to a contemporary regime driven by "brain gain" strategies. The research explores how demographic challenges and economic needs have shaped current visa systems, evaluating both the benefits of attracting highly skilled professionals and the complexities inherent in temporary migration and student flows.
- Historical evolution of Australian immigration policy since 1788.
- Impact of the "White Australia" policy and its subsequent abolition.
- Analysis of the modern skilled migration and humanitarian programs.
- Evaluation of the "brain gain" phenomenon and the mobility of professionals.
- The role of international students in Australian society and economy.
Excerpt from the Book
II Australian Migration History
Australian life and development has ever been influenced by the major force of immigration since the British occupation in 1788. Compared with Canada and the United States, Australia’s settlement had been much shorter and was much more difficult to reach both in terms of time and cost. Although the immigrants realised their disadvantage the influx of new residents didn’t stop. For what reason?
“Gradually they evolved procedures for using public monies and land to assist suitable families with passage costs, accomodation and jobs.” (PRICE 1993: 5)
Government recruiting agents sometimes selected such families and recommended them for public assistance by voluntary societies, business firms, other private sponsors or relatives.
Even upto the present day, Australian immigration policy, has always stressed permanent settlement and has seldom promoted schemes for short-term migration. “As Australia entered the 20th century, its population consisted of a relatively small number of Indigenous peoples and an overwhelming majority of Europeans, most of whose origins lay in the British Isles.” (DIMIA 2001: 2)
Summary of Chapters
I Foreword: Introduces the shift of Australia from a society with a "white australia policy" to a multicultural nation facing demographic challenges and seeking highly skilled workers.
II Australian Migration History: Examines the long-term history of immigration since 1788, the convict era, and the gold rush, highlighting the evolution of settlement patterns.
III Commonwealth Immigration Restriction Act: Analyzes the implementation and impact of the Immigration Restriction Act, which formalized discriminatory practices until the post-WWII era.
IV The postwar years: Discusses the significant increase in migration after 1945 and the transition from assimilation to a policy of integration.
V Today’s Migration: Outlines the current structure of Australia's migration system, including the distinction between skilled and family streams.
V.I Australia’s Immigration System: Details the operational components of the migration program and the planning levels for skilled and humanitarian streams.
V.II Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) Visa: Explains the introduction and purpose of the SIR visa to address regional labor shortages.
V.III Humanitarian program: Describes the program designed for refugees and those with humanitarian needs.
VII Review: Synthesizes the findings, reflecting on the balance between economic benefits of "brain gain" and the challenges of the global "brain drain" discourse.
Keywords
Australia, Migration Policy, Brain Gain, Brain Drain, Skilled Migration, Multiculturalism, Immigration Restriction Act, Postwar Migration, Temporary Residence, Humanitarian Program, Demographic Change, Labor Shortage, Diaspora, Student Migration, Integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This work examines the historical and contemporary development of Australian immigration policy, specifically focusing on the transition towards attracting highly skilled workers to support the national economy.
What are the central themes discussed in this document?
The central themes include the history of migration to Australia, the impact of past exclusionary policies, the development of current visa programs, and the economic implications of the "brain gain" phenomenon.
What is the main objective of the author?
The objective is to provide a preliminary estimate of Australian "brain gain" and to document the facts surrounding current migration trends in response to demographic pressures.
Which research methods were employed?
The report utilizes a historical and policy-based review, analyzing demographic data, legislative acts, and government statistics to explain shifts in migration regimes.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the history of Australian immigration, the "White Australia" policy, post-war integration strategies, the modern point-based visa system, and the influence of temporary and student migration.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Brain Gain, Skilled Migration, Immigration Policy, Multiculturalism, and Demographic Change.
How does the "White Australia" policy relate to current migration?
The historical abolition of the "White Australia" policy marked a turning point that allowed for the non-discriminatory, skills-based system currently in place.
Why are international students significant to Australia's "brain gain"?
International students provide a pool of highly qualified potential residents, though their mobility—with many returning to their home countries—presents a complex dynamic between educational investment and skilled labor retention.
- Quote paper
- Benjamin Rüther (Author), 2005, Brain Drain und Brain Gain in Australia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/47546
