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Write to your Federal MPs in support of MP Kristina Keneally to reduce migration

12 May 2020

You will probably be aware of the article by Senator Kristina Keneally who called for a reduction in temporary skilled migration numbers.  This was in order to give Australians first opportunity in the employment market as we emerge from  the Covid -19  lock-down. 

This reasonable suggestion has met with a barrage of indignant counter articles, some accusatory on the basis of racism and some calling into question her right to offer an opinion because she, herself is a migrant!
See the article in the SMH  here

We feel this is an opportunity to support Senator Keneally’s position by writing to her and also to express your opinion to your local representatives in both the Upper and Lower Houses of the Federal Parliament.

It is definitely worth contacting other Federal Labor MPs and Senators to try and get them on side.  For example, we strongly recommend that you write to your representing Labor Senators. Labor needs to be shown by the community, whilst in opposition, that lowering migration (and increasing family planning foreign aid)  is a move that is popular in the community, despite the opposing opinion pieces and twitter storms.

In these matters, timing is vital. It is not necessary to write a long letter but just to express your support for Senator Keneally’s position.  If you like, you can suggest that Keneally’s position does not go far enough, and that population policy needs to also take into consideration the environment,  the carrying capacity of our fragiled continent and the necessity for family planning directed foreign aid in any discussion around population policy.

We also recommend that you follow up letters with a telephone call if you can.  Direct voice contact is a very effective way of ensuring that your point is heard by a member of staff.  Remember that all MPs have a legal responsibility to respond to their constituents,  so please insist when you call that your opinion is passed on.

It’s not often that a politician takes a stand like this. In our view she has very adequately defended her position in the face quite intimidating interrogation by media entities.

Senator Keneally can be contacted here

To find your own representatives

Please don’t hesitate to contact SPA at media@population.org.au  if you would like any further assistance with advice on writing to your MP (including examples of pro forma letters).  Also, please email to let us know if your MP responds and there is any news you would like to share with us.

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12 May 2020
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