“Australia is stronger and more prosperous as a nation because of our multicultural heritage. We value people based on the contribution they make – irrespective of colour, religion, or ethnicity – and who embrace our national values and laws.” - David Coleman, Minister for Immigration
Australians overwhelmingly support immigration. It’s little wonder. Our population of 25 million hails from close to 200 countries and over 300 ancestries, speaks more than 300 languages and has faith in over 100 religions. In fact, 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of Australian citizenship being introduced into law.
But while we’ve boundless plains to share, most Australians live in coastal cities that aren’t keeping up with population growth. Opinion is split on whether we can create the necessary infrastructure and services required for citizens to flourish – public transport, roads, hospitals, schools and affordable housing. Are more people the answer or the problem?
Add to this the question of whether the continent has enough resources like water, energy and food to sustain further growth and we might ask if multiculturalism in our comparatively stable and safe country will fracture under increased pressures?
In the meantime, save on a subscription package to all 4 debates in 2019.
26 March | Curb Immigraton
12 June | Ageism
27 August | Democracy
23 October | Masculinity
For a limited time, save big with an IQ2 subscription package to all four debates – starting at just $49 +BF.
Your tickets for each individual debate will be sent out via Eventbrite by Tuesday 19 March 2019.
Why not give the gift of Intelligent Debate to a friend or loved one and help us raise the level of debate in 2019? Gift certificates available by emailing us directly.
About Intelligence Squared:
IQ2 is the Australian arm of the international debate series, Intelligence Squared, which is also held in London, New York and Hong Kong. Speakers have eight uninterrupted minutes to share their ideas – a luxury in today’s fast paced media environment of 15 second grabs and political party spin lines. Help us shape our world with ethics and intelligence.
Speakers
SPEAKING FOR THE MOTION
Dr Jonathan Sobels is an environmental scientist. He was commissioned by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to research the impacts of population growth on Australia’s natural environment. Jonathan concluded core resources like water cannot sustain high immigration so too much growth is irresponsible. You can follow him on LinkedIn here.
Satyajeet Marar is a writer who contributes to publications like the Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Quillette, and The Spectator. The Indian-born immigrant is the director of policy at the Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance. Satyajeet supports multiculturalism and argues harmony is maintained when there are limits to immigration. You can follow him on Twitter via @MisterJEET
SPEAKING AGAINST THE MOTION
Dr Anne Aly was a Professor at Edith Cowan University. Anne is an internationally renowned expert in counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation. She is now serving as the Member for Cowan for the Australian Labor Party in Western Australia. You can follow her on Instagram via @Anne.Aly
Prof Nicole Gurran is an urban planner and housing policy expert based at the University of Sydney’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning. She presented her solutions to population growth and Australia’s housing crisis at TEDxSydney. Nicole says smarter spatial planning can accommodate high immigration levels. You can follow her on Twitter via @Planosopher