Opinion piece: Why does the issue of immigration divide many Australians?

Australia is a country built by immigrants. But if you go out and talk to ordinary folk on the street they are convinced immigration poses a threat to their culture and values.

It is an interesting paradox.

How is it that a country built on immigration is now so divided and polarised on the issue of further immigration?

“The problem is that they (immigrants) don’t want to integrate,” one Aussie told me.

“I sometimes feel like a foreigner in my own country,” said another.

They were both highly critical of the Muslim community.

“Most are against migration going the way it is,” they both agreed.

Fear and anger seem to be the problem.

Of course there are many in favour of increased immigration.

Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard has warned of a looming shortage of skilled workers and has said publicly that expanding the labour force, with the help of foreigners, topped her priority list.

“After three decades when unemployment was our major problem, we now face shortages,” said Gillard, who emigrated from Wales in 1966.

“In the short term, the mining boom is placing huge strains on our labour market…the resources sector will face a potential shortfall of 36,000 tradespersons by 2015.”

Invading our shores? Hardly an invasion if they are being brought in, you might be thinking.

Australia ranks as one of the most successful immigrant nations on the planet.

Opposition frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull’s Liberal Party remains committed to a multicultural Australia and a non-discriminatory immigration policy.

Could it be that immigration is a potential vote winner (or loser)?

"We believe one of Australia's greatest strengths is its cultural diversity," Turnbull told ABC Television recently.

"We are one of the most successful immigrant countries in the world."

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen says Australia is a good advertisement for multiculturalism because its secular society means governments doesn't favour one cultural group over another.

Many agree with him and think that multiculturalism works Australia.

Muslims however are sceptical. It wasn’t that long ago that we witnessed race riots in Cronulla. Some feel that the government didn’t do enough to prevent them and many Muslims feel very little has changed since. There is still a lot of racism towards them as the comments above show.

“More needs to be done to help migrants integrate into Australian society; government needs to do more and schools have a big part to play,” a member of the Muslim community told me.

Where do you stand on the debate? Why not contact the editor (ian.armitage@tntmagazine.com)