ABC National Forum

And that, I think, it's going to have real impact on safety, security, and economic prosperity.

On ABC Radio National's Big Ideas, I'm Claire Nichols, and this is the second ABC National Forum, this time bringing together a range of voices on the topic of migration.

[upbeat music] Now, a big issue when it comes to migration is this idea of family reunion, whether or not a temporary or permanent migrant worker is able to bring their family to Australia.

In the audience was Yu Ting, an Australian citizen who was originally from China and wants to bring both her parents to Australia.

One in six aged care workers are on temporary skilled visas, so it's, it's going to have an impact right across the board.

And just finally, tonight you are hosting the second ABC National Forum.

Yep

As I say, very well timed.

Thanks, Pal.

Cheers.

That's David Speers, and you can watch David hosting ABC National Forum on migration this evening at 8:30 PM, Australian Eastern Standard Time, or obviously stream it on iview anytime.

Well, new research from the Regional Australia Institute says almost half the population growth in our regions comes from migrants, and most of those are young, aged between 22 and 44, a cohort essential to help address workforce shortages, sustainable population growth, and strengthen aging regional economies.

[upbeat music] Just over 25 years ago, John Howard delivered an enduring line.

"We will decide who comes to this country," he said, "and the circumstances in which they come." But how much control does any government really have over migration? And how has Pauline Hanson managed to push the nation back into a fierce migration debate? Today, David Speers, host of tonight's ABC National Forum on migration, on whether the system is about to change.

I'm Sam Hawley on Gadigal Land in Sydney.

This is ABC News Daily.