World Immigration News

(ABC NEWS)Immigration provides tricky policy tightrope in migrant-reliant Farrer

Release Date: 2026-05-09
Media: ABC NEWS
Summary: In Australia’s Farrer electorate, immigration has become a major political issue during the by-election campaign. Although the region consists of small rural communities like Urana, many local industries — including agriculture, healthcare, aged care, manufacturing, and hospitality — rely heavily on migrant workers.

Local residents acknowledge that without migrants, farms, hospitals, and aged care facilities would struggle to operate. In particular, the PALM scheme, which brings workers from Pacific nations such as Vanuatu, is considered essential for horticulture and other labor-intensive industries. Supporters argue that without these workers, there would simply not be enough labor available.

At the same time, some voters are concerned that immigration increases pressure on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. Cultural tensions and occasional racism toward migrant workers have also emerged as challenges in some communities.

The political debate reflects these tensions. One Nation, which advocates reducing annual immigration to 130,000, argues that Australia must first address housing and infrastructure shortages. However, even its candidate acknowledged that regional industries would still require more skilled labor if economic growth continues.

Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe argued that regional economies need migrants but also need better housing and public services to support them. She proposed migration policies that respond to local labor shortages rather than relying solely on national-level planning.

Overall, the article highlights the difficult balance between economic dependence on migrant labor and public concerns about social capacity, housing, and integration in regional Australia.
Tags: Australia

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