The Australian nation was founded on immigration; for several decades its growth and values have been sustained by multiculturalism and tolerance. Our population and economic growth have been underpinned by a large, legal, non-discriminatory immigration program with broad public support. However, increasing signs are emerging of anti-immigration sentiments and a rising backlash over the size of the nation’s annual immigration intake. Issues of concern for people include urban congestion, housing prices, border protection, humanitarian refugee intake, environmental sustainability, and discrimination over racial and religious integration and diversity.
This book presents analysis and opinions from the latest immigration figures, polls and debates to explore how community attitudes towards immigration are evolving. Are Australians’ sentiments increasingly positive, negative or neutral? Are our immigration levels too high, or should they be increased, or paused? What is the impact of immigration on our shared quality of life? As a people, are Australians at risk of the polarisation seen in other western nations, where social cohesion itself is under threat?