As we all know, Australia is a nation founded by immigrants. It dates back to 1826 when the First Fleet arrived, however in recent years it has been the bone of contention for columnists, politicians, residents and citizens alike. Nobody can agree on the matter.
The anti immigration brigade waxes lyrical about how immigrants are "stealing jobs that locals can do".
This is simply not true. I'll cut straight to the chase. If locals could do these jobs then why aren't they being hired? I'll tell you why. It's because they simply don't have the skills as some claim.
Over the last year as a writer I've written for a range of clients from businesses to individuals. For the individuals I have been writing resumes, cover letters and selection criteria. I have come across resumes, hundreds of resumes where people do not have the skill set they claim to have. I've had clients who are not suitable for the jobs they're applying for. They have either been underqualified or uneducated.
That is why they aren't getting jobs and why immigrants are "stealing jobs".
That's an interesting concept in and of itself. It assumes that you have a right to a job and that it's yours. It is much like the argument that first home buyers use. They assume they have the right but they don't. You have to earn it.
The only way to earn a job is quite simply to get educated and gain experience. If the Australian government was truly serious about improving job prospects for those born here they would focus on the root of the issue - education.
In 2010, only 78% of Australians gained the HSC and only 25% of the total population gained a degree or higher qualification. Without these qualifications, Australians are hurting their employment prospects. Most jobs these days call for people with degrees.
Most newcomers to Australia know this and have higher qualifications. 39% of migrants have a Bachelor Degree or higher.
I'd be curious to know why these figures aren't mentioned by the federal government.
The reality is, immigrants know they have to work hard and they do. They're more willing to do the jobs that Australian born citizens won't do. If they don't then the likelihood of being able to stay here is drastically reduced.
The politicians such as Federal Immigration Minister, Peter Dutton and One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson ignore these figures.
They also ignore other statistics.
When you're out at night, who serves you your kebab? That's right, an immigrant.
Who serves you at a coffee shop? That's right, an immigrant.
Immigrants generally aren't coming here to sit on welfare. They're coming here and starting businesses. The impact of that is that they actually create jobs and other opportunities. Without migrants the economy would be stunted. 26.8% of the current population was born overseas.
Now imagine if all those people were gone.
The country would regress to a third world nation.
It's time that politicians, the public and interest groups banded together to keep this country great. After all, we've boundless plains to share.
On that note, the Australian government needs to know that we need immigration. You can sign a petition at https://www.change.org/p/malcolm-turnbull-help-nzers-get-aussie-citizenship?recruiter=76114783&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive
Although the petition is pitched specifically about NZ citizens, it is relevant to any immigrant wanting to contribute to Australia.
It may be the only voice you have so use it and ensure you have your say and make the Australian government listen. We need 50,000 signatures before we can present it parliament.
