Australian economy loves immigrants

According to research released by Immigration Minister Chris Evans, the record immigration intake is delivering major economic benefits. Access Economics modelling "dispels the myth that new migrants impose a huge impost on the taxpayer".

The modelling shows the immigration intake of more than 171,000 in 2007-08 will deliver an economic benefit of $610 million in the first year, $965 million in the second year and a massive $1.5 billion after the migrants have been 20 years in Australia.

The 2008-09 program, forecast at 203,000 places, is modelled to represent an even bigger bonus of $829 million in the first year and $1.8 billion by year 20.