Australia needs a National Migration Institute: ANU expert

Australia must establish an independently run Migration Institute to counteract widespread misinformation about migration which is threatening our nation’s democracy and social cohesion, according to an expert from The Australian National University (ANU). 

Professor Alan Gamlen said Australia’s identity is deeply intertwined with migration, yet public understanding of migration is at an all-time low, clouded by myths, misinformation and sensationalism. 

These are the themes that will be discussed at the ANU Migration Update on Monday 2 September. The event will bring together key figures in the migration space to help inform the public and raise the standard of migration debates in the “year of democracy”. 

“There’s a persistent belief that migration is a crime and security issue. This myth has led to the absurd placement of Australia’s immigration functions within this country’s national security agency, equating the movement of people with terrorism and crime,” Professor Gamlen, who is the Director of the ANU Migration Hub, said. 

“The reality is that migration is primarily an economic and social issue, not a security one. More than half of Australia’s population was born either abroad or to overseas-born parents. 

“Migrants also contribute enormously to the economy, with skilled migrants alone paying significantly more in taxes over their lives than the average Australian resident. Their work funds Australia’s services and infrastructure. 

“A National Migration Institute should be dedicated to researching, educating and providing reliable information on migration. It should develop a system-wide view of migration and its impact on Australia’s economy, society and international relations. 

“It should respond to the Multicultural Framework Review, which calls for greater capacity-building in the public service, more public-sector engagement with research and a long-term planning approach to migration.” 

With half the world’s population set to head to the polls this year, migration is poised to be a central issue in many elections. In November, the world’s eyes will be on the US as the country decides who the next president will be.

Professor Gamlen said that now more than ever, it’s imperative that public debate around migration is informed by facts and logic rather than fear and misinformation. 

“Migration is one of the most polarising issues of our time, both in Australia and globally. Moral panic about migration is recurrent. Each iteration drives bad policies and disrupts social harmony. That path ends in conflict,” he said.  

“Unfortunately, a whole range of myths surrounding migration still exist, in part because of the lack of a central, authoritative body to provide clear and factual information. 

“Australia’s current migration system needs a major overhaul and requires better coordination between the numerous agencies responsible for different aspects of migration in this country. 

“To better manage migration effectively and maximise its benefits, Australia needs to invest in understanding how migration works. This requires not only better governance but also a significant boost in migration research and education.” 

Media are welcome to attend the 2024 ANU Migration Update. Journalists can register their attendance by emailing media@anu.edu.au