By Holly McGuinness
Hume and Whittlesea could see an increase in future cultural diversification, as the federal government has increased the cap on permanent migration visas.
Home affairs minister Clare O’Neill announced the change on Friday, September 2, increasing available permanent migration visas from 160,000 to 195,000 – an additional 35,000 permanent visas across 2022 – 2023.
In a joint statement from Minister O’neill and Minister Anthony Giles, the government said this is in aim of targeting a nation wide skills shortage, potentially providing “thousands” more nurses and technology workers to settle in the country this year.
“Our immigration system can be a powerful promoter of Australia’s open, free, prosperous, democratic society around the world, so let’s start giving that system the love and care that it needs,” Minister O’Neill said.
As a significant growth area with residents from more than 160 countries, Hume Mayor Carly Moore anticipates new migrants could likely choose Hume to call home, “particularly as some may have existing networks in our municipality,” Mayor Moore said.
“Hume is home to a vibrant multicultural community where refugees and migrants have settled and become intrinsic members of our community,” Mayor Moore said.
Mayor Moore would like to see additional funding provided from a state and federal level to assist in providing the best possible support for new arrivals.
“Government funding to support refugees and migrants transition to work will not only help with their integration but help address the significant workforce issues we have across the country,”
Recent census data revealed the diversity of Hume with languages spoken at home other than English include, Arabic, 9.3 per cent, Turkish, 6.1 per cent, Punjabi, 5.2 per cent, Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, 3.5 per cent and Chaldean Neo-Aramaic, 3.1 per cent.
