Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There is a large and prominent South African community in my electorate of Moore, representing the second-largest group of migrants behind the British and ahead of the New Zealanders. Respected members of that community have raised concerns about discriminatory policies and practices relating to land and agriculture and a gross breakdown of law and order which is adversely affecting their families.

I acknowledge that South Africa has had a troubled history; however, past events should not be allowed to be used as justification for current day wrongs. Australia has a proud history of resettling persecuted minorities from countries all over the world. Given our strong and close association with South Africa, a Commonwealth nation, I call upon our government to give favourable consideration to a humanitarian program for a resettlement of a quota of South Africans as part of our overall annual immigration program as we have done recently with Syria. This intake would be based on merit, selecting farmers with relevant agricultural and business skills who would be prepared to settle in rural, regional and northern Australia to make a contribution to the economic development and sustainability of these remote communities. I see merit in bringing these migrants, who are likely to give mutual benefit to our nation by bringing their skills, talents and expertise, alongside our regular intake from other countries of the world.