Aust. Immigration Under Review

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32360, 28 July 1970, Page 17

Aust. Immigration Under Review

W.Z. Press Association—Copyright) CANBERRA, July 27. The Australian Federal Government has ordered a far-reaching review of the impact of immigration on the Australian environment.

The Minister of Immigration (Mr Philip Lynch) has announced a five-point study plan, to include: A comprehensive review of the benefits and cost to Australia of immigration on traditional patterns. Investigations into desirable future population levels. Comprehensive surveys, involving up to 10,000 people, of immigrants’ experiences during their first few years in Australia. The appointment of consultants on the country’s immigration programme. Closer liaison and mutual exchanges with Canadian immigration authorities. Mr Lynch said that at least a year would be required to complete a preliminary study, and considerably longer for the whole project Progress reports would be available for guidance when immigration programmes were being decided. An investigation of this kind was necessary to determine desirable population levels, not just in totals, but also in terms of structure and distribution. The experiences of the 10,000 immigrants studied ic depth at various stages during their first three years it Australia would provide use ful material on immigrant counselling, reception, lan

guage training, immigrants’ achievements and problems in tiie employment field, the experiences of immigrant housewives, the adaption of immigrant’s children to the Australian school systems, and other important matters. The Minister emphasised that immigration would continue to play a vital part in the development of Australia. “In the last 25 years it has made a major impact on Australia in terms of economic growth and in the social and cultural diversification of the Australian community," he said.