On Tuesday 27 October, we hosted the launch and panel discussion of a Policy Paper by the Institute Historian and Research Manager Dr Zac Gorman, which focused on a timely topic: Conditions for a Successful Immigration Policy.

In partnership with the Scanlon Foundation, the paper calls for a return to nation-building as the primary purpose for immigration, as distinct to narrow economic gains.

Using applied history, Zac argues that the success of immigration in the 1950s and 1960s was undergirded by a government and public policy that had a vision for the nation’s growth and positive national identity, which they could offer new Australians to embrace.

The report concludes that a nation-building framework must address housing and settlement pressures, reinforce a shared sense of belonging, and rebuild public confidence in immigration policy. This conclusion was translated from five interconnected priorities:

Align migration with settlement capacity. If immigration is to serve the national interest over the long term, migration settings must reflect Australia’s capacity to provide housing, services and effective settlement support, with clear pathways to citizenship where appropriate.

Strengthen citizenship. Nation-building requires more than residence or economic participation. Reaffirming the rights, responsibilities and shared obligations of citizenship can strengthen civic belonging and commitment to Australia.

Renew Australia’s national story. A cohesive nation needs a shared understanding of its history, democratic institutions and common values. Investment in history, civics education and cultural institutions can help foster this understanding while accommodating cultural diversity.

Revitalise community-led settlement. National cohesion is built through relationships as well as policy. Drawing inspiration from the historic Good Neighbour Movement, stronger community involvement can help newcomers establish connections and develop a sense of belonging.

Remove barriers to participation. Social cohesion will improve when both ‘new’ and ‘old’ Australians can access social and cultural activities, through which they form meaningful relationships and develop a sense of community.
Together, these recommendations advance a single objective: to make immigration policy serve the long-term objective of building the Australian nation.

Such a sustainable, nation-building approach would better balance the benefits of migration with Australia’s settlement responsibilities and the enduring interests of the whole community.

The Institute thanks Michael Brennan, Joy Damousi AM, Alan Gamlen, Julie Szego, Lisa Button and Chetna Mahadik for their contributions to this Policy Paper.

The Institute also thanks CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Sonja Hood AM for launching this paper and to economist and The Australian columnist Judith Sloan for participating in a panel discussion at the launch.