AUSTRALIA TOO EMPTY

Grey River Argus, 12 May 1944, Page 5

AUSTRALIA TOO EMPTY

Migration Scheme

(Rec. 9.45) CANBERRA. May 11. Because the Federal Government realises that there Will not be enough Briitsh migrants adequately to people Australia, it will be prepared to accept suitable types of immigrants from other than British stock after the introduction of the Government’s post-war migration scheme. The official view is that Australia, with its vast coastline and its population of only seven millions, cannot afford to continue without extensive migration. The Acting-Prime Minister, Hon. F. M. Forde, said: “We" have almost lost our country once. We cannot afford to let that happen again.” It is understood, however. that the Government migration scheme of ass’sted 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 of the Australian fighting men and those engaged In war industries have been absorbed into employment. (2) That preference shall* be given to migrants of British stock. (3) That preference shall be given to exservicemen of Great Britain. It is understood that talks will be hel<] soon after the war between representatives of the British and Australian Governments, based on principle of a British capital investment in Australia being concurrent with British migration. Because of this, the migration of skilled British workers, as well as those with some knowledge of primary industry, will be encouraged.