Immigration Article Link
This article discusses how Julia Gillard wants to supply more skilled migrants for a reconstruction program in Queensland. She says that there is no risk of taking jobs from Australians, but that it would help meet a current demand for labor. She says that they could, in fact, be doing even better if they had the workers. The blame, according to the article, goes toward politics who "connived to avoid a rational debate over immigration during the election." Gillard goes on to say that many people blame migrants at every chance saying the cities are too crowed and things of the sort. Peter McDonald, a demographer, notes that "they [migrants] create demand for goods and services themselves, [and] their presence increased overall output."
This article reminded me of the how the textbook said that "25 percent of Australia's people are now immigrants, reflecting the country's global popularity as a migration destination." It makes sense then, that some people blame immigrants for their problems of crowding. Australians may have fear of losing their jobs to immigrants simply because there are so many there already. If things continue, Australians may have to search harder for jobs. Another factor that ties into this is the White Australia Policy which lasted until 1973. The policy limited nonwhite migrations and promoted European and North American immigration. Although it is no longer in effect, I can see it influencing some Australian's views on immigration.
On the other hand, there is a need for workers now that is not being filled. Migrants taking jobs in Australia may actually help expand the economy. An example is Asian immigration. As mentioned in the textbook, Asian immigration, which leads to possible economic links to Asian markets has been giving Australia a positive look on the future. Many resorts are owned by Japanese firms that help provide bilingual experiences for Asian clientele. Because Australia has so much tourism, this is a very positive boost for Australia.
Diversity Amid Globalization, p.646 and p.657
Australia Day
Fun and Protests Mark Australia Day
This article talks about the many fun activities that happened in Australia to celebrate Australia Day on January 26th, along with some not-so-positive events as well. There were cockroach races, citizenship ceremonies, fireworks, concerts, BBQ's, ship races, swimming races, parades, and.... protests. Australia Day is a day to remember the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Some view this as invasion day instead, debating whether it is appropriate or not to celebrate the arrival of Europeans.
Even after reading the textbook it was odd to imagine that people thought of this big day of celebration as a day of invasion, but it makes sense in a few different ways. The British needed a place where convicts could be exiled and decided that Australia was a good site. So, in 1788, the First Fleet arrived with 750 prisoners in Botany bay (modern day Sydney). More and more people kept coming and settling the land. Here are some reasons why this might upset people: First off, those who are Aboriginal or support the Aborigines might not find fun in the day remembering the first settlers and the conflicts they caused immediately after arriving. Second, Australia currently has a high percentage of immigrants there now which could cause tension in people today. As mentioned in the Immigration section above, about 25 percent of Australia's population today is made up of immigrants. It's hard to imagine why some people wouldn't want to celebrate a day like Australia Day, but after looking at it from another's view, it makes a lot more sense.
Diversity Amid Globalization, p. 640 and 646
