A New Era in Australian Migration Policy

Abstract

This article traces the evolution of Australian migration policy since 1975. It argues that the main factor shaping policy has been interparty competition for influence within Australia's ethnic communities. This has led to a sharp change in the conservative Lib/NCP Government's policy, from a manpower orientation towards family reunion, and in the case of the Australian Labour Party to a downgrading of attention to the labor market implications of migration and, like the Conservatives, a focus on family reunion. This convergence in party policies is fundamentally reshaping the country of origin and to a lesser extent occupational characteristics of settlers entering Australia.