My experience as an election candidate was so memorable and precious amid its hectic process.
I also uncovered some issues of the Australian society over this period. It’s really hard for mature people who migrated here could win an election. So, both the state and federal governments are not effective in policies addressing the needs of mature migrants. Not that nobody raised their concerns but just that people in the parliaments have never been in their shoes hence nobody cared their needs.
I once thought that if the second generation could have been in the parliaments, they could represent the earlier generation. That’s not working as they were grown up in the mainstream society with the different background and connection. They don’t need to face the dilemma of the former generation in adjusting themselves in newly found commitment, culture and relation, while they can receive better acceptance from the mainstream society. There are a few of these members in the parliaments who have not done anything for immigrants and even they are not concerned about how to build a multicultural society in Australia.
The influx of immigrants over the past 30-40 years has resulted in 1/3 of the immigrated population being adults. If the government is not treating these people fairly, their talent, skill, experience and resource could not be fully utilised for the development of the society. I believe a good immigration policy is not just about taking on board good immigrants but also on how to take the most out of those who are already here.
Successful immigration policy is not just about attracting the elites, we must make them to have their dreams come true whilst in the interest of the country. Most immigrants can perform well in commerce, professions and community but rarely they are involved in politics. Many immigrants find politics not appealing as they feel its return so ineffective given that they need so much time and effort in knowing and building relational networks in the society.
I think the government should encourage more adult immigrants in joining politics, with the political parties offering them more opportunities. Then this batch of proven elites in their own homeland could contribute their best experience and ability at various tiers of the government for the benefit of the nation.
Mr Raymond Chow, Publisher