OK, here's a not so concise attempt to clarify my views....which seem to need clarifying because as soon as I stand up for the values of our Anglo/English heritage (think political and legal systems, property rights, welfare, education, Christian rooted compassion and volunteer spirit), those with only two pigeon holes to slot people (either low browed red neck racist or enlightened new age high minded humanitarian), a few want to label moi as the former.
- I accept Australia needs migration.
- I don't care stongly where migrants come from as long as they have thought hard about why they want to come to Australia, with its predominant anglo Christian heritage and values, and english language.....and after thinking hard about it, have determined they want the opportunity and freedom our prevailing system offers more than they want to hold to the values and system they are so motivated to flee.
- I expect migrants to study, understand, and respect Australia's Anglo Christian heritage, and its role in evolving the political, legal, law enforcement, health care, and education system that has delivered us all the benefits of the democracy we enjoy today. Sure, I accept it isn't perfect, but show me anywhere else in the world that is better....and why we should change our system.
- I expect migrants to have the attitude that Australian citizenship is a highly valued privilege granted to them, not a right.....and that there are thousands, if not millions, who are competing with them for the privilege to come here.
- I expect migrants, especially from developing nations, to understand that Australian citizenship is a shortcut to a better lifestyle in a developed nation. The better lifestyle they have the privilege of experiencing, is something previous citizens with particular values have built. This should underscore the sense of privilege they feel in being here.
- I expect intending migrants to think carefully about their fellow countrymen, who they leave behind to continue a life compromised by developed world standards. I expect them to think about why they don't stay where they came from and organize themselves into strong groups who lift their country up to a developed standard, rather than fleeing it.
- I expect migrants to come here with a hell of a lot more than an economic opportunistic motivation, or an eye on our overly generous welfare benefits.
- I expect migrants to come here with a sense of community, not a sense of insularism.
- I expect migrants not to treat Australia as a remittance economy, from which they can extract capital to send back to their place of origin to fund wars, crime, and black market economies.
- I expect migrants come here to start a new life of new hope, rather than cling to the prejudices, nationalism, and fighting they may be fleeing.
- I accept that migrants accepted on humanitarian grounds and as part of family streaming, are on the whole a net economic cost to Australia for several decades after they arrive. This is born out in many
official government reports. though I also accept there are exceptions, though these are not enough to counter the non exceptions. Therefore, I believe Australia should only accept as many of these category of migrants as does not adversely effect the prevailing quality of life. Those who argue otherwise should openly declare how many of the world's millions who seek a better life overseas, Australia should accept each year.
- I accept that Australia has unskilled and uneducated people who do not have their job security protected by a professional organization, like the professions do. These people are more likely to have migrants compete with them for work, education spots, and housing (in an undersupplied market). Hence, it is natural they may develop animosity towards migrants if the migration rate is not sensitive to their needs. I expect our government to weight this factor when setting our migration rate.
- I accept Australia's elites support high migration out of self interest.
High migration will increase asset prices due to population pressure, capitalists will benefit from downwards pressure on unskilled and skilled wages. A larger population increases market size which increase potential profits.
- I accept the greatest antagonists to a high migrant intake are the unions, extreme green groups, and those from poorer socioeconomic groups.
- I accept that migrants from differing backgrounds will not compete 'equally' in a developed world economy. Whether it is due to their command of english, age, education level, cultural or religious views, accumulated capital, or whatever, Australia can not ignore this when setting its immigration policy.
These are my views. I accept a minority with a different mindset and motives, do not share them.
