AUSTRALIA'S NEED FOR POPULATION

Evening Star, Issue 25173, 12 May 1944, Page 3

AUSTRALIA'S NEED FOR POPULATION

POST-WAR MIGRATION PLAN ADOPTED

CANBERRA, May 11. Because the Federal Government realises that there will not be enough British migrants adequately to people Australia, it will ibe prepared to accept suitable types from other than British stock. Of the post-war migration scheme, the official view is that Australia, with its vast coast line and population of only 7,000,000, cannot afford to continue without extensive migration. The Acting Prime Minister, Mr F. M. Forde, said: " We almost lost our country once, and we cannot afford to let that happen again." It is understood, however, that the Government migration scheme of assisted passages and settlement in industry will not be commenced until about two years after the war ends. The plan adopted is believed to envisage—(1). no migration until all the Australian fighting men and those engaged in war industries have been absorbed into employment; (2) that preference be given ho migrants of British stock; (3) that preference be given ex-servicemen of Great Britain. It is understood that talks will be held soon after the war between representatives, of the British and Australian Governments, based on the principle of British capital investment in Australia being concurrent with migration. Because of this, the migration of skilled British workers, as well as those with some knowledge of a primary industry, will be encouraged.