Australia is facing a crisis with migration numbers exceeding what the national permanency numbers can retain.
The total number of temporary migrants which excludes visitors and transit visas is at 2.7 million, up from 1.9 million in 2023 – showcasing an explosion in a short amount of time.
First-generation born resident, Pauline Teuma explains the hardship her parents had to overcome for the Australian dream.
“My parents came here from Malta,” Ms Teuma said.
“It was a boat trip that took over a month to get here and from there they were on their own.
“No handouts, incentives or a care in the world from the government, just them and their dreams.
“My dad didn’t speak a word of English and somehow made it work through hard work, now people come here and expect the life to be given to them.”
Statistics gathered by The Australian Department of Home Affairs explains that the boom in migration rates are correlated with the ease of access low-skilled migrants have to the current visa system.
Former Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil in an article written for the Department for Home Affairs, explains that the way in which low-skilled migrants flooding into Australia is making it harder for the specialised migrants to have a chance.
“The temporary program is now not just the biggest source of migrants overall; it is now also the biggest feeder into the permanent program,” Ms O’Neill said.
“So that unstrategic, drifting nature of the temporary program is now the tail wagging the dog of the permanent program.
“Today, it is relatively easy for a low skill, temporary migrant to come to Australia, but difficult, slow and not particularly attractive for a high-skill, permanent migrant to come here.”
Australia is not only facing an influx of temporary migrants but an ever-growing cost of living crisis.
The government has recently pledged to cap the number of students studying in Australia, as well as a 25 per cent cut to permanent migration to assist in the frigidity of Australia’s housing crisis and to restrict purchases by foreign buyers.
The cut towards migration rates and discussions concerning the overhaul of the working visa program could possibly see Australia’s economy, innovation and housing security increase.
The changes could also see the skilled, hard-working migrants have a chance at permanency within Australia – fulfilling their Australian dream.
The Teuma family has a vast family history, hailing from the modest country of Malta. Laurie and Pauline’s parents came to Australia after a gruelling month-long boat ride. After setting foot off the boat they were alone – without any help. They managed to craft the legacy their children now uphold dearly. This is a story of the Australian dream which is held tightly by this humble, tight knit family.
