Could immigration fix the labour and tax shortages once the baby boomers start retiring in 2-5 years?

I live in Australia, we have a measly 30,000 immigrants each year. Australia in land area is about the same sizea as the USA who has 300million people, we have 21million, though 80%+ of australia is too dry to live in. In saying that, there are towns like Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Canberra and Tamworth and many others that could take 5million each with the right planning. When the baby boomers start retiring in a few years time, there is going to be a huge strain on the federal budget. Wouldn't it be a good idea to open the gates wide open to immigration and let these hard working, potentially tax paying, asylum seekers in? I just don't get the snobby attitude, we are so rich compared to other countries. what are your thoughts?

Public Comments

1. I think this is a brilliant idea. Where do I sign on? :) It would be a wonderful thing to go to Australia, especially if I could be productive and useful there. Yes, you are rich.
2. My name is Sydney. I'd like to live in Sydney. Where do I sign up? All kidding aside, in theory it sounds like a really good idea. It would, like you said, take great planning.
3. It will work if there are jobs ... otherwise immigration puts a strain on gov. What's the unemployment rate? ... anything over 6% is risky.
4. Yes, I think that is a good idea. It would be preferable to get skilled migrants, but if need be we could get asylum seekers and refugees who would be very keen (and hard working) to start to a new life in Australia. I would definitely support that. You are right in saying there is heaps of fertile land on the east coast, and if we get refugees from African nations, then they might even be used to living in arid and hot conditions such as near Broome or the Kimberleys. Great suggestion - and hopefully one the Rudd Labor government will pick up
5. No I don't think it's a good idea the job market is horrendous now I think it's time to close the gates & give the few jobs available to people who want & need them now
6. It doesn't take too much to Balkanize a nation. The U.S. is headed for it now.
7. Train/educate the young now to do the jobs we do or what will be needed to be done. Bringing in others don't seem to be the solution. Most of them, if not all, will have to be trained/educated. Start at home first. Some immigrants are exempted from paying taxes and save or send their money home = no solution to the tax situation.