Welcoming Works
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Migration will drive social, economic and population growth in Australia over the next 35 years. Welcoming works. It is the means by which Governments and communities can embrace the challenges and opportunities of receiving and integrating newcomers for greater social cohesion and economic success.
Research from the United Kingdom highlights that greater social plurality, demographic trends, and the gradual reduction in importance of some traditional aspects of identity, will result in communities becoming less cohesive over the next 10 years.
This social landscape has direct implications for policy and its application to communities and people’s sense of belonging. Cities and communities that proactively welcome new and emerging communities and take steps to ensure their successful integration will be strategically positioned as globally competitive leaders.
Welcoming is about inclusion at all levels. A process by which all people can develop a sense of belonging. When people feel welcome, they can and will actively participate in and contribute to the communities they live in.
Social Benefits
The 2015 AMES Australia and Deloitte Access Economics report Small towns, Big returns: Economic and social impact of the Karen resettlement in Nhill highlights one of the most powerful examples of the social impact of immigration.
The Karen resettlement in Nhill has helped to:
- redress population decline for the township
- revitalise local services and attract increased government funding
- increase social capital across both Communities
“The social impact of the Karen settlement is extraordinary. Nhill, a very conservative community, has embraced and opened their minds and hearts to the Karen. This has made Nhill a better place to live.” CEO, Hindmarsh Shire Council
Economic Benefits
“Welcoming is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”
Over the next 35 years, migration will drive employment growth. Australia’s population is projected to grow to 38 million and migration will contribute $1,625 billion (1.6 trillion dollars) to Australia’s GDP. By 2050, migrants will on average be contributing approximately 10 percent more to Australia’s economy than existing residents. Further, migration will ensure Australia remains a highly skilled nation, as it will have led to a 60.4 percent increase in people with a university education.
Migration will increase:
