Originally Posted by
davearn
20 years ago, a family could live very comfortably on one wage in Australia. Full free health care and an old age pension upron retirement.
Same in the US but a bit longer than 20 years ago. Although wages keeping up with cost of living are a factor the definition of "living comfortably" is by far the big difference. I know little of what comfortable living constituted in Australia 20 years ago but in the US it was much different than now. A 2/3 br house of around 1,000 sq feet, a single car, a single TV, a phone, perhaps a recreational vehicle (boat or camper) and a nice holiday every year were considered a comfortable living. All of this easily supported by a single income earner. Current definition of a comfortable living is over double what it was before and hence more income required.
None of this has anything to do with immigrants but just food for thought.
As it relates to immigration. Australia needs more people if it is to realize it's enormous economic potential. Relying on export of raw natural resources and agricultural products is fine but for the long term not a way to achieve maximum economic potential. Australia is doing quite well economically but not near what it could do. What it lacks is a strong globally competitive manufacturing segment.
Government and private sectors have to transition to a manufacturing value add strategy. To achieve it more workers are needed. Immigrants are the only real solution but several things need to change regarding immigration laws and treatment of immigrants. My top three for what it's worth:
Immigrants must be willing to work and add value to economy.
Immigrants can maintain their culture and religion but must abide by the laws of Australia.
Government must not allow immigrants to be on the dole or make concessions to Aussie law because of immigrant culture or religion. This probably the most important because will make sure the first two are realized.