International Migrants Day: Championing diversity as a strength

International Migrants Day is on 18 December, and Diversity Council Australia emphasises the enormous positive impact migrants have on Australia’s economy, communities, and workplaces.

As the UN states, migrants play critical roles in labour markets, filling skills gaps, driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and addressing demographic challenges in aging societies. They also boost economic growth and provide a lifeline to families and communities back home, driving development.  

At a time when we are seeing an increase in harmful and divisive views towards migrant and culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) communities, workplaces have a vital role to play. Safe, respectful, and inclusive work environments can help counter misinformation, build connection, and ensure everyone can contribute their best. 

As harmful misinformation around migration and community safety intensifies, DCA is concerned by recent reports that embassies have been instructed to collect data linking migration with societal issues in Australia as well as other countries, including New Zealand, Canada, the UK and several European nations. These actions risk fuelling stigma and spreading inaccurate assumptions about migrant communities. 

They are also not supported by evidence. Australian and international research, including this government report, have consistently found no relationship between immigration and community safety. Suggesting otherwise distracts from genuine efforts to keep communities safe and erodes public trust.

Migrants play critical roles in labour markets, filling skills gaps, driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and addressing demographic challenges in aging societies. They also boost economic growth and provide a lifeline to families and communities back home, driving development.

DCA encourages employers, community leaders and public institutions to reject divisive narratives and champion diversity as a strength, not a challenge. 

Our research consistently shows that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential to building high performing teams, reducing organisational risk, and strengthening overall business performance. These benefits are essential to driving productivity and contributing to a fairer, more equitable Australian society. 

DCA is committed to supporting organisations to build inclusion, challenge racism and xenophobia, and create environments where all people can thrive. Below are some resources to support you in this work.