Reflecting and consolidating

Chapter summary

• People on the move in Australia reflect changing policies and opportunities for travel as well as international pressures from regions in conflict.
• Liberalising the immigration policy – the shift away from European countries of origin and the increased intake of people born in Asian countries in particular – has led to a culturally changing profile, as has the humanitarian intake program.
• Movement within Australia reflects job opportunities, especially for younger people.
• The same is true of international movement, with increasing numbers of Australian citizens leaving the country for short and longer periods.
• Expatriates tend to be better educated and may return following an extended period overseas.
• Our increasingly diversified cultural identity is transforming the Australian nation.

Interactive activity

Key terms

Short-answer questions

1. What does the term ‘diaspora’ mean? Give an example.
2. Discuss how transport has influenced the mobility of Australian citizens in the last two decades.
3. Suggest the major motivating factors for people seeking permanent resettlement.
4. What evidence is there of changed thinking about travel from people of different ages in your local area – younger people, your parents and grandparents, say?
5. Reflect on how you see migration changing the profile of Australian citizenship in the future.

Extended-response question

Explain the concept of internal migration. Suggest why it occurs and outline the benefits of moving internally.