ABSTRACT
Immigration policy has been crucial for Australia’s economic and social development since European settlement began in 1788. Australia’s prosperity since the Second World War has owed much to an extensive and continuing immigration program, initially from the British Isles and the Mediterranean states and more globally. The issue of Asian migration in particular gained prominence in the late 1980s, as did discussion of a ‘better’ or different balance between family reunion obligations and labour market requirements as criteria for immigration became more intense. The Government has attempted to strike a responsible balance between the economic, social and humanitarian objectives of the immigration program. V. Fitzgerald and his Committee were given the widest possible terms of reference to undertake their review of Australia’s Immigration program. Fitzgerald was successful in his wide-ranging review of Australia’s immigration policy in that he ensured that the issues surrounding immigration were analysed and put before the Australian community for public discussion.
