Careful in that argument as it actually held Australia back for a long time. It also saw the country starving for lack of something as simple as fresh vegetables. How do I know? I am a WOG or Southern/Central European by origins. The definition has been broadened over the years but we were the first waves. If you can tell me that Australia did not not benefit from their arrival I will accept your argument.
But remember we were excluded under the white Australia policy. It was only when Australia could not feed itself that we were allowed in. Why because they discovered that back then and we were backward only a peasant stock culture could do the work needed. As a side effect you also saw a huge boost in building and development - no more fibro houses with toilets out the back and decent infrastructure (thanks to the Italians).
Now I am Australian, I am born here but I hope you are not saying we were not an asset, if you are I can always help you build that toilet in your backyard again.
