Foreword
The Australian diaspora
represents a market, a constituency, a sales force and an ambassadorial corps.[1]
According to current
estimates, at least three-quarters of a million Australians are living overseas
permanently or long-term. This is a considerable proportion of the Australian
population, and reflects the increasingly mobile and globalised world in which
we live. Some of the key factors influencing this phenomenon include the rise
of a global labour market; more accessible and economical international transport;
and increasingly sophisticated communication technologies.
Many of these expatriate Australians
are young, well-educated, highly skilled, and keen to see the world and to make
the most of the opportunities presented to them. This has led many to fear that
Australia is
experiencing a 'brain drain' of its best and brightest workers, with damaging
consequences for Australia's
economy and society. In fact, the Committee learnt during its inquiry that Australia
actually experiences a net 'brain gain' of skilled workers.
It is important, then, to move
away from any negative perceptions and realise that, even though these
Australians may be physically located outside Australia's
borders, they nevertheless feel strong cultural links with their homeland. In
the same way that most expatriate Australians still embrace Australia
as their home, we should embrace our expatriate community as part of the
Australian nation, and recognise that our expatriates are an important part of
Australian society.
The Committee found during
its inquiry that Australian expatriates present many potential benefits, opportunities
and new considerations for Australian policymakers. Most importantly, the
Australian Government needs to make greater efforts to connect with and engage
our expatriate community. The Committee heard that many of the needs and
concerns of expatriate Australians are not being adequately dealt with, and
that Australian expatriates could be better recognised and included in the Australian
democratic system. Further, expatriate Australians represent an underutilised resource:
not only are they an asset in terms of promoting Australia and its social,
economic and cultural interests; they are also ambassadors for our nation, which
is otherwise disadvantaged by our geographic remoteness and small population.
The Committee has made a
series of recommendations with a view to ensuring that this important part of
the Australian community is recognised and embraced, its needs and concerns are
addressed, and that we make the most of the opportunities presented by our
global community of Australians.