20 May 2008

'Good leadership' will help Australian immigrants settle into society

The head of an Australian industry body has said that good leadership will help people engaged in Australian immigration to fit into society. Peter Anderson, chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that claims otherwise were "really silly" and that good leadership among the government, community and business leaders will mean Australian visa holders are welcomed into the country.

Claims arose after 30,000 extra Australian visa places were announced, that a large influx of immigrants may lead to them being marginalised in society. However, Mr Anderson said: "Migration policy needs to move with the social and economic times and any suggestion that we can't have a sensible debate without fuelling xenophobia is really silly."

Senator Chris Evans, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, added that the country had "matured about those issues" and has accepted large-scale immigration over the years. He emphasised that Australian visa holders were needed "for the growth of the economy".

Australia needs skilled workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.