Australia's population just passed 24 million people

My home country Australia just passed an important milestone of 24 million people, which is about 17 years ahead of schedule. As many of you know, I'm in favour of the concept of, 'A Big Australia', of even increased population growth that will boost economic growth. I know this view is at odds with many Western countries that are trying to keep immigrants out. Australia is much more successful at absorbing migrants into our vibrant multicultural society. Presently, about half our economic growth is due to immigration, and Australia also has not had a recession in 24 years. 

I would recommend economist, George Megalogenis's excellent book, Australia's Second Chance, about how crucial migrants have been to our economic success. 

He writes, "Australians have proven remarkably adept at absorbing new arrivals without losing the national value of fairness. No migrant group has ever formed a permanent economic underclass in Australia."

We are proud of the fact that outside of Israel we have the largest number of Holocaust survivors in the world - here you can be safe, here you can build a new home. Each wave of immigrants has added immensely to Australia's cultural and economic life. 

I hope we can remain a free open trading nation and 'innovative nation.' 

As our Prime Minister recently said, 

"There's never been a more exciting time to be an Australian."

Further reading

Megalogenis's, George. Australia's Second Chance