Building on recent public hearings in Melbourne and regional Victoria, the Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold a series of hearings over the next week with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Beginning with hearings in Canberra on Friday 12 May, the committee will then call witnesses for full days of hearings on 16, 17 and 18 May via videoconference.
Committee Chair, Maria Vamvakinou MP, said ‘what’s striking is the breadth of individuals and groups appearing over the coming days.’
‘We’ll be hearing from technologists and scientists, doctors and lawyers, settlement and multicultural groups, farmers, business and retailers, vocational trainers, thinktanks and academics, human rights and refugee advocates, and from those concerned about the sustainability of our future population. All have provided submissions to the inquiry and are seeking to be heard, reflecting that migration really is a whole-of-nation issue that cuts across all demographics, regions, and industries.’
This is why we need better data underpinning our migration policy, so that we can better understand how to attract and retain migrants in a globally competitive environment and to provide the supporting processes and infrastructure. Migration’s not just about contributing to our future workforce, critical as that is. Above all it’s about enriching Australian society. Ultimately, the question we must ask ourselves is are we an economy or are we a country,’ Ms Vamvakinou said.
The full hearing programs are available on the Committee website.
Hearing details
Friday, 12 May 2023 – 9am to 5.00pm – Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra
Tuesday, 16 May 2023 – 9am to 5.00pm – Videoconference
Wednesday, 17 May 2023 – 9am to 5.00pm – Videoconference
Thursday, 18 May 2023 – 10am to 4.30pm – Videoconference
