INSIGHTS

Migration spurs debate on all sides. Supporters believe a high migration rate boosts Australia’s skill pool, enhances our economy and helps to counteract the effects of an ageing population.

Critics say high migration puts pressure on the infrastructure of our larger cities, reduces our quality of life and takes work opportunities away from locals.

Writing for the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this year, Tony Featherstone, a former editor of the Business Review Weekly, argued the case for including entrepreneurship in the migration debate. He said, “we don’t do nearly enough to raise awareness of migrant and refugee entrepreneurship in Australia.”

Mr Featherstone also believes Australia’s multiculturalism should be celebrated and promoted as one of our startup community’s greatest strengths. Our uniquely multicultural society should be used to attract migrant entrepreneurs, whether established or just starting out, and we also need to work out how to best support them. Let’s examine the issue more closely...

International students from all over the world choose to study in Australia. This country has so much to offer; from vibrant, multicultural cities, to a relaxed and fun-loving culture. It’s no wonder that many students are keen to stay in Australia when their studies end. How realistic is this? What steps do you need to take to achieve permanent residence?

Our understanding of the working world has transformed over the last 10 years. Flexible working has challenged the way we think about employment and many Asian companies are moving away from traditional working patterns.

As well as the reality of employees working from home or remotely, HR has seen a huge increase in the number of people actively choosing flexible freelance or contract work instead of permanent, full-time employment.

A Workplace 2025 report by HR consultancy Randstad suggested that up to 50% of the 4,660 business executives and workers included in their survey will have opted for "agile" careers by the end of 2019.