Academic’s calls for immigration cuts are correct

Media release

Australian Protectionist Party National Chairman and South Australian Spokesman Mr. Andrew Phillips today welcomed calls by immigration expert and academic Dr. Birrell for drastic cuts to Australia’s immigration program in today’s current economic climate.

“At a time when unemployment rates are predicted to hit 9% by the end of 2009, it is complete lunacy to be importing labour at our current levels” Mr. Phillips said. “The government still clings to dated economic rationalist theories believing ever-increasing population levels will stimulate demand and create prosperity. If population equated to prosperity, India and China would have the highest standard of living in the world”.

The Australian Protectionist Party believes the Australian people possess the skill, ability and drive needed to keep Australia at the forefront of competition with the international community. Through targeted education funding, dialogue with businesses and sensible planning with both the education and business sectors, the Australian workforce should be more than equipped to supply all the skills needed to stimulate our nation’s growth.

“The current economic crisis has left so-called ‘Baby Boomers’ reconsidering their retirement options and staying in the workforce longer through economic necessity – and current immigration levels, estimated to be around 133 000 per year in the skilled immigration category, are leaving Australian jobseekers on the scrap-heap” Mr. Phillips continued “Dr. Birrell’s call for immigration to be cut by around 70% is a sensible suggestion at a time we should be utilizing our own workers.”

“For the Rudd regime to refuse to even entertain such a cut is to invite a plethora of social and economic problems years down the track, problems for which our children will not thank us” Mr. Phillips concluded.

Statement issued by Mr. Andrew Phillips
National Chairman and S.A. spokesman, Australian Protectionist Party
26th February 2009