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3.
Economic
At any time there is a temptation to be timid about
changing the size and composition of our population.
conditions and the level of unemployment may not be seen as
favourable to building our population. There can be fears that a
larger population will threaten a reduction in our standard of
living. There can be fears that the introduction of new groups of
people will prejudice the maintenance of a cohesive and harmonious
society. All of these are valid fears but if we are aware only of
the restrictions on our growth, we can put our future at risk.
We need not only to be aware of the problems, but also
the opportunities presented to us by the fact that so many people
with all their assembled talents and energy see this country as
a most desirable place to live.
In dealing with present situations, we need to be aware
of recent history.
The immigration policies which were formulated in the
late 1940s were particularly sensitive to the general instability
of the world over the preceding decade, and particularly the threat
of actual invasion. In the 30 years since then, armed conflict
has not held a direct or immediate threat to Australia.
Australia
is today perhaps less conscious than in the past of threats to its
security and integrity. But it would be unrealistic for the
Australian community to assume peace is guaranteed in a world
facing many destabilising influences.
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