Ahead of the ABC’s planned 4 Corners report on a ‘Big Australia’ and discussion about Australian immigration planned for Q&A, Gunnamatta spoke with Leith van Onselen about Australia’s immigration backdrop and the significant ramp up of immigration numbers which occurred in 2006, as well as recent calls for immigration levels to be reduced. In a wide ranging discussion which lasts about 35 minutes the conversation covers the disappearance of a clearly articulated narrative to the public about why immigration is desirable and of the economic rationale behind it, and the replacement of the rationale which once existed by myth, speciousness, and a cross party unanimity that immigration be discussed as little as possible. Also discussed are the economic costs and budgetary implications of Australia’s current immigration levels, as well as those who gains most from high levels of immigration and the impact it contributes to when it comes to wages, housing affordability and social amenity.
