Introduction to 'The Social Costs and Benefits of Migration into Australia'

Australia is one of the most culturally diverse societies of the 21st century. Over six million migrants have entered Australia since 1945 and almost a quarter of all Australians today were born overseas (ABS 2004d). Since the 1958 Migration Act, immigration to Australia has become increasingly planned through migrant intake targets, caps and quotas for various visa streams. In the financial year ending June 2006, permanent settler arrivals to Australia through migration Programmes totalled 106 495 people, mostly through Skilled Migration and Family Reunion Programmes. The total number of settler arrivals included 12 113 through the Humanitarian Programme. A further 48 214 onshore applicants were granted permanent settler status (DIMA 2006g). Having a planned immigration Programme is especially important in a globalised world where the reduction of national barriers to trade and financial investment has spawned cross-border flows of goods, financial resources, information and people.