Question 1

Read the open letter on why immigration matters.

Accepted Answer

Australia has benefited massively from immigration.

Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have settled here. Residents born overseas make up almost 30% of Australia’s population. Another 20% of the population has (at least) one overseas-born parent.

Most Aussies agree about the benefits of immigration. A recent independent study from Galaxy Research* showed:

-75% of natural-born Aussies believe immigrants have helped build the country

-74% of natural-born Aussies believe that immigrants should have a path to citizenship

-72% of natural-born Aussies believe immigrants have made Australia stronger - economically, culturally and socially.

As representatives of Australia’s tech community we know immigration helps spur our economy forward and create more opportunities for Australia. In fact, the 2017 Startup Muster report shows founders from 35.7% of startups in Australia were born overseas and 37.7% of future founders were born outside Australia.

In addition to founding companies, immigrants bring critical experience that helps Australia compete in a globalised economy. The majority of residents (56%) born outside of Australia have also lived or worked overseas at some stage in their life, while only 17% of those born here have lived or worked overseas. Startup Muster also found that 16% percent of local startups have at least one current employee on a working visa.

Despite the clear (and accepted) benefits, Galaxy Research found that more than half of Australians (55%) do not believe it should be easier to migrate to Australia.

We strongly believe that Australia is proof that life and ideas shouldn’t be held back by borders. We need your help to remind Australia why immigration is so important.

Question 2

Australia's tech community agrees.

Accepted Answer

Signed by,

Wise

Victorian Minister for Trade & Investment, Innovation & the Digital Economy and Small Business, Philip Dalidakis

York Butter Factory

H2 Ventures

inspire9

Startup Grind

Gen George, Tamme.io

Lives shouldn't be held back by borders.

Australia is living proof that lives and ideas are better without borders.

An Open Letter for More Open Borders

Sign the open letter to support immigration in Australia

Lives shouldn't be held back by borders.

Australia is living proof that lives and ideas are better without borders.

An Open Letter for More Open Borders

Sign the open letter to support immigration in Australia

#AussiesWithoutBorders