ESSAY - The Asialink Essays: Immigration Taking a Long View by Professor Nancy Viviani [20.04.2010]
The Asialink Essays 2010
Volume 2, Number 2
Immigration: Taking a Long View
Professor Nancy Viviani
Asialink Dunlop Medalist and distinguished international relations scholar, Professor Nancy Viviani, addresses the "Big Country" immigration debate. We haven't thought enough about the social and economic impact of the latest anticipated increases in immigration, she says - the 'explosive' mix created when a relatively low-skilled local population comes under pressure from high levels of more skilled migration. Treasury, she says, thinks it is cheaper to free-ride on the educational investments by other countries in our migrants, while failing to properly build our own skill levels.
About Professor Nancy Viviani
From as early as 1973 - the year the White Australia Policy was finally abolished - and continuing today, Professor Nancy Viviani's work has reflected an aspiration and an optimism that Australia will "beat history" and avoid the racial tensions and conflict endemic in other multi-racial societies.
More about Professor Nancy Viviani
Published by Asialink
Sidney Myer Asia Center Parkville VIC 3010
www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au