Immigration

Introduction


It’s clear that Australia needs to have a strong immigration policy prepared in consultation with the business sector, community, church and other relevant groups. All policy should consider the impact of an increase in population on geographical centres. Infrastructure, housing, public transport etc must be planned to support any increase.

Who Can Come?

Much of the concern by the community is based on ignorance, fear mongering by political groups and other bodies. Illegal boat arrivals strike an unnatural fear in people who have little understanding of the plight of these individuals. 

The ACP firmly believes that a strong border protection program will deliver what the people of Australia want in balance with our international obligations.

At the same time Australia will make these decisions in its own best interest and not in the interest of foreign bodies, some of whom are not elected in a democratic way.

All applications for relocation to Australia will be considered regardless of race, creed, religious observance etc.

All applicants must also acknowledge that while Australia has a diverse mix of cultures and religious groups, Australia is predominantly a white Christian country with it’s own values and culture.

The above statement does not imply any superiority by that group over minorities, it’s just simply a reality.

The rule of law, as based on the Westminster system, is held in the highest regard. All Australians and visitors are subject to that law and will not be held to any other standard.

Any immigrant confirmed to be stirring violence based on century old conflicts from their homelands will be dealt with to the fullest extent possible under law. This may include the revocation of visa’s or even citizenship.

Australian born citizens found citing violence in the same way will also be dealt with to the fullest extent possible under law.

The rule of law takes precedence over any religious doctrine.

What About The Boat People?

Considering the “white fellas” arrived by boat and current thinking suggests our Aboriginal Australians may have also come by boat, modern boat arrivals are nothing new.

Illegal boat arrivals continue to stir frustration among segments of the Australian community. Many of these feelings are unjustified, but the ACP acknowledges that people have a genuine concern.

These people need to be educated about the reality of the perceived problem, this is the role of the Federal Government, the Education System and community groups.

The cost to house these people on Christmas Island and similar facilities is a waste of money which could be far better spent building and growing the diversity of our community.

The ACP believe all applicants must participate in a thorough background check to ensure the integrity of their application. Processes must be reviewed to ensure the speedy processing of applications balanced with the need for security.

A Way Forward

We believe there is a direct correlation between immigration numbers and infrastructure. Planning must be undertaken to provide attractive alternatives for immigrants in regional centres.

The country as a whole is best served by implementing requirements on visas which call for immigrants to spend a set period in regional locations before they can move to other parts of the country. A period of four to five years seems to be an adequate period. Moving, prior to this time, would invalidate their visa and result in expulsion from Australia with a 10 year ban on reapplication.

In balance, companies need to be provided with incentives to have offices, factories and other facilities outside the major cities to provide employment for the growing population. One such suggestion is to provide a reduced tax on regional facilities and staff for businesses.

Regional governments and councils would be expected to provide business plans to the Immigration Department outlining the requirements for their respective communities.

The Immigration Department would then work to source such qualified people from amongst the thousands applying for relocation to Australia each year.

Migrant Workers

Seasonal and Migrant workers are needed at varying times throughout the year and in a variety of locations.

Careful consultation between the Immigration Department and local business and government bodies will help to ensure sufficient visas can be granted to meet the demands of business.

This is one area which Australia can assist our Pacific neighbours. The granting of temporary working visas will provide Australian business with the labour it requires and assist our Pacific neighbours to bring money into their economy.

These workers can return to Australia again and again if their migrant worker visas are granted. However, these visas will not be taken into consideration should the individual seek Australian residency or citizenship at a later stage. They will be treated as any other applicant.

New Zealand would be exempt from this migrant worker policy.

Compassionate Grounds

From time to time the Minister will have the ability to grant visas to foreign nationals who don’t currently meet visa requirements, based on compassionate grounds e.g.: 

• The ability to visit family members with failing health who are currently Australian citizens.
• Sick children from other countries who require specialised medical assistance as identified by registered Australian charities or medical bodies.
• Other situations will be taken on a case by case basis as determined by the Minister and his/her advisors.

The Department of Immigration

A service charter will be prepared outlining minimum levels of service people, Australian’s and foreign nationals, can expect from the Department. 

The Department will be assessed and measured against this criteria.

There would be value in providing a web based CRM type of solution for easy access by applicants to their applications and its’ progress.

The Department will not be provided with a financial bonus to staff for the attainment of targets. Doing so would undermine the integrity of the process. Where people are paid bonuses on a subjective measure, they will always find a way to manipulate the system to distort the outcome to ensure bonuses can be paid. The GFC uncovered many of these circumstances.

The ACP believes, that a clearly defined job description, employment stability and by making the workplace a safe and friendly place, people will perform to their best ability.

It’s critical to maintain absolute transparency and integrity during the processing of applications for visas and citizenship.