"ncreasing population to increase the economy is just insane. Surely no-one falls for that old lie."
Horsa, you cant say that without maybe some qualification...
Migrants were needed after WW2 and helped Australia grow. Australia "grew" due to the migrants imported for the Snowy Mountains Scheme & the Asbestos mines... we have always needed migrants to supply much-needed labour. BUT....we have to select the right migrants. Those who immigrate and go straight on welfare...and stay that way...ought to be sent back... Sort of reminds me of a class that converged on Birmingham ,UK, whereupon each had 5 pairs of glasses, 3 pairs of dentures (all on public health) and did nothing but complain. But selective vetting of immigrants is racist, no?
