Australia is an inclusive and tolerant society, a nation build up by multicultural people from different homelands and cultural backgrounds. It’s national identity is minted by this cultural diversity in all spheres of Australian life. Therefore Australia persues the policy of multiculturalism. Since World War II the former “white australia policy” has disintegrated more and more. So the ethnic-discriminating policy changed into the open minded policy today. “This policy evolved from profound changes to Australian society resulting from a major influx of migrants and has been maintained and furthered on a non-partisan basis by successive governments.” (DIMIA 2001: 1) However even Australia perceives the pressure of Demographic changes. The change in the demographic structure because of declines in fertility rate requires an elementary Impact on Australia's economy.
Recent demographic changes have implications for many fields of economic life, including workforce structure, retirement incomes, health expenditures, and consumption of goods and services. (cp. PC-GOV 2004)
Like in other Western high-income countries, Australia tries to compensate for some of the problems caused by demographic change by concentrating on (highly-)skilled workers; the magic words are “brain-gain and brain-drain”.
Both terms apply to scientists, physicians , medical practitioners, engineers and other professionals from less-developed countries moving to work in high-income countries. The effects of gaining and draining have a positive impact on the affected countries of getting highly-skilled workers or losing the important brains, the “education-sector” invested time and money in.
This short report is a preliminary estimate of the Australian brain-gain and tries to give some of the main facts of this recent phenomenon.
Table of Contents
- Foreword
- Australian Migration History
- The postwar years
- Today's Migration
- Australia's Immigration System
- Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) Visa
- Humanitarian program
- Review
Objectives and Key Themes
This report provides a preliminary overview of brain gain in Australia, focusing on the main facts of this recent phenomenon. It examines the impact of immigration on Australia's demographic structure and economy, particularly in relation to skilled workers.
- Australia's immigration history and policies
- The impact of demographic change on Australia's economy
- The role of skilled migration in addressing demographic challenges
- The "brain gain" phenomenon in Australia
- Australia's multicultural society and immigration policies
Chapter Summaries
Foreword: This section introduces Australia as a multicultural society shaped by immigration, highlighting the shift from a "white Australia policy" to an open-minded policy. It emphasizes the pressure of demographic changes and the importance of attracting skilled workers ("brain gain") to counter economic challenges associated with declining fertility rates.
Australian Migration History: This chapter traces Australia's migration history from British colonization in 1788. It discusses the early challenges of settlement, government assistance for immigrants, and the gradual shift in demographics from predominantly British origins. The chapter highlights significant events like convict transportation, the "squatter period," and the 1850s gold rush, emphasizing their impact on population growth, skill levels of immigrants, and political development. The gold rush, in particular, is noted for its influx of skilled workers and its acceleration of political development toward self-government. The chapter also touches upon the challenges posed by a growing number of unskilled workers from the Pacific Islands and Asia.
The postwar years: [This chapter summary is missing from the provided text and would need to be added based on the full text content].
Today's Migration: [This chapter summary is missing from the provided text and would need to be added based on the full text content, covering the detailed sections on Australia's Immigration System, Skilled Independent Regional Visa, and the Humanitarian Program].
Review: [This chapter summary is missing from the provided text and would need to be added based on the full text content].
Keywords
Australian immigration, brain gain, brain drain, demographic change, skilled migration, multiculturalism, immigration policy, population growth, economic impact, skilled workers, post-war immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions: Australian Migration and Brain Gain
What is the main focus of this report?
This report offers a preliminary overview of the "brain gain" phenomenon in Australia. It primarily examines the effects of immigration on Australia's demographics and economy, particularly concerning skilled workers.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes: a Foreword, Australian Migration History, The Postwar Years, Today's Migration (with subsections on Australia's Immigration System, Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) Visa, and the Humanitarian Program), and a Review.
What are the key objectives and themes explored?
Key themes include Australia's immigration history and policies, the impact of demographic change on the economy, the role of skilled migration in addressing demographic challenges, the "brain gain" phenomenon itself, and Australia's multicultural society and its related immigration policies.
What is discussed in the Foreword?
The Foreword introduces Australia as a multicultural society shaped by immigration. It highlights the shift from a restrictive "White Australia Policy" to a more open policy and emphasizes the importance of attracting skilled workers ("brain gain") to counter economic challenges related to declining birth rates.
What does the chapter on Australian Migration History cover?
This chapter traces Australia's migration history from 1788, covering British colonization, early settlement challenges, government assistance for immigrants, and the changing demographics. It highlights key events like convict transportation, the "squatter period," and the 1850s gold rush, emphasizing their impact on population growth, skill levels, and political development.
What information is provided about the Postwar Years, Today's Migration, and the Review?
The provided text lacks detailed summaries for "The Postwar Years," "Today's Migration," and the "Review." These sections would require access to the complete text to provide comprehensive summaries.
What are the key words associated with this report?
Key words include: Australian immigration, brain gain, brain drain, demographic change, skilled migration, multiculturalism, immigration policy, population growth, economic impact, skilled workers, and post-war immigration.
What type of visa is mentioned in the table of contents?
The Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) Visa is mentioned as a specific example within the "Today's Migration" section.
What is the significance of the "brain gain" phenomenon?
The "brain gain" phenomenon refers to the influx of skilled workers into Australia, which is viewed as crucial for addressing economic challenges related to an aging population and declining birth rates.
How does this report relate to Australia's multicultural society?
The report connects Australia's immigration policies and the resulting "brain gain" with the development and maintenance of its multicultural society.
- Quote paper
- Benjamin Rüther (Author), 2005, Brain Drain und Brain Gain in Australia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/47546
