Migration policy must be guided by long-term vision, not short-term political pressure  

17/09/2026

(See translation in Arabic section)

Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: FECCA welcomes Minister for
Home Affairs Tony Burke’s recognition that Australia’s migration program must
be managed in a sensible and targeted way that protects our economic interests.

FECCA Chair Peter Doukas said migration policy must reflect
Australia’s long-term national interests.

“Migration has helped build modern Australia. It has
strengthened our economy, sustained essential services and enriched our
communities. Turning our backs on migration would mean turning our backs on a
significant part of what has made Australia the successful country it is today.

“Australia needs a migration system that is economically
responsible, compassionate and based on a long-term assessment of our national
needs. Decisions about the size and composition of the program should be guided
by labour market evidence, infrastructure planning and Australia’s future
skills needs - not short-term political pressure,” Mr Doukas said.

Poorly targeted reductions could remove the very workers
Australia needs to build homes, care for older Australians, staff hospitals and
support growing industries. Migration is an important engine of Australia’s
economic prosperity. Applying the brakes without understanding the wider
consequences risks doing lasting damage to our economy.

FECCA is particularly concerned about proposals that would
make it harder for international students and skilled migrants to bring their
partners and children to Australia.

Skilled migrants and international students are not simply
units of labour. They are people with families. The ability to live with their
families directly affects whether talented people choose Australia, remain here
and contribute over the long term.

FECCA CEO Prerana Mehta said Australia must remain
competitive in attracting and retaining global talent.

“Australia competes internationally for the best students,
researchers and skilled professionals. We want people to see Australia as a
great place to study, build a career and contribute their knowledge. Policies
that force people to choose between their families and Australia will send that
talent elsewhere,” Ms Mehta said.

We also need to recognise that Australia’s migration story
cannot be reduced to a single headline number, swimming like a pendulum to the
push and pull of political pressure - net overseas migration is not, by itself,
a housing, infrastructure or workforce strategy.

We can have a serious debate about the size and composition
of migration without treating established multicultural communities, permanent
residents or Australian citizens as outsiders.

Reducing migration will not automatically build more homes,
train more workers or improve infrastructure. These challenges require
coordinated investment and long-term planning.

This is also not a choice between migration and
opportunities for Australian workers. Government should combine targeted
skilled migration with genuine investment in local education, training and
workforce development. Before restricting the skills coming into Australia, we
must also do more to recognise and use the qualifications and experience of
people who are already here.

FECCA calls on the Australian Government to ensure any
changes are supported by transparent evidence, economic modelling and
meaningful consultation with multicultural communities, industry, unions,
universities and service providers.

Australia needs a migration system that is orderly and well
managed - but also one that remains confident, fair and focused on the country
we want to become.