THIS week in Parliament I spoke on the value of Australia’s engagement with our Pacific island neighbours, which cannot be denied.
My speech addressed Labor’s new immigration legislation.
As those who live in Swan Hill, Robinvale and Mildura regions can attest, migrants from the Pacific islands and Timor-Leste contribute to our industries and communities – working on farming properties or in other labourer roles.
Workers from these countries contribute heavily to Australia’s horticulture workforce.
Currently, under the Coalition-introduced Pacific Australia Labour Mobility – or PALM – scheme, employers in the horticulture sector have access to a reliable workforce where there is not enough local Australian labour to meet seasonal demand.
The PALM scheme is also an opportunity for workers from partnering countries to earn good wages and learn new skills.
Now the Labor government has introduced two pieces of legislation to develop a new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV).
Labor’s new PEV will allow up to 3000 nationals per year of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to be drawn from a ballot and migrate to Australia as permanent residents.
Instead of good policy based on attracting skilled migrants who contribute to the economy, the government wants to pull names out of a hat for a chance to become a permanent resident.
What’s more, their families will be brought in, with no eligibility or skills required.
Permanent residency will ensure they are eligible for Medicare and other social security benefits – unlike many other visa holders who have worked and contributed to our local communities before there is a possibility of a pathway to permanency.
We have a proud history in Australia which has and continues to rely on migration to build our workforce and enrich our nation. But a ballot system brings risk that is unacceptable.
There is no regional policy in this legislation, there is no guarantee of adding to our workforce. Indeed, day two, people could begin to rely on welfare rather than work. Thereby increasing the burden on Australian taxpayers.
Labor’s policy turns immigration into a game, with Australia as the prize.
