Australia: Report Proves Migration Program is Boosting Budget
26/08/2008 by Charlotte Norman
Australia is a welcoming and appealing country, thought by many to offer a wealth of opportunity whilst housing a warm climate. It is no wonder that with all this on offer Australia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for migrants the world-over and now there are improved statistics to fully support this theory.
A report by Access Economics has emerged showing that not only have the number of new migrants to Australia increased but they have with them brought hundreds of millions of dollars to the Commonwealth budget.
Australia has come to rely on such figures as it sees an ageing population and skills pool begin to affect the countries key industries. It is for this reason that the Rudd governments department for Immigration and Citizenship have been focussing on improving and managing their immigration laws in order to attract the workers and migrants whom are of most benefit to the countries workforce.
Speaking following the news of the recent report Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said that the overall fiscal impact of migration is substantially positive and grows over time in real terms.
The comprehensive study carried out by Access Economics examined the costs that migrants impose on health, education, welfare, employment and settlement services compared to the fiscal benefits from taxation and visa charges. The results showed a study growth year on year with total benefit of $536 million in the first year of 2006-2007 to $856 million in the second year.
Senator Evans said that "The Access modelling dispelled the myth that new migrants imposed a huge impost on the taxpayer. The positive fiscal impact is particularly pronounced for skilled migrants, which reflects their high rate of labour market participation and higher incomes."
He further added that "As well as the economic benefits, skilled migrants help Australian employers fill critical labour gaps at a time many businesses are facing capacity constraints. The bottom line is that our migration program is vital to keep the economy growing as well as helping Australian businesses overcome skills and labour shortages."
Global Visas, a leading immigration company has had first hand experience of the growing number of visa applications for people wishing to relocate to Australia. In this age of global mobility it is welcoming to hear that such movement is benefiting both the country and the migrant.
Statistics show that Australia's migration program has increased annually over the last decade. For the 2008-09 fiscal year it is expected that there will be a total of 203,000 visa grants, with 133 500 allocated for skilled migrants.
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