Migration lifts everyone's prosperity

Migration Lifts Everyone's Prosperity

Long before Federation, migrants, including Muslims, played a key role in shaping Australia's economy and identity, writes Mainul Haque.

Early Migrant Contributions in Australia

In the late 1990s, during field research in Wyndham, a remote town in Western Australia, I met a small tourism operator whose story left a lasting impression. While studying successful regional small tourism ventures and highlighting First Nations community examples, I learned that her great-grandfather came from Malaysia to work in the pearling industry. He married a First Nations woman, settled down, raised a family, and contributed to building communities that remain part of Australia’s story.

Early Muslim migrants were not just visitors to Australia's shores; they were bridge-builders forming families, industries, and communities that remain part of our shared story.

The Pearling Industry and Skilled Migrants

In Broome, skilled divers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the wider Malay Archipelago were vital to the pearling industry. Their expertise shaped an important economic sector while fostering multicultural ties.

Future of Immigration Debate in Australia

Australia must approach its immigration future with maturity and nuance, emphasizing environmental stewardship and sustainability alongside economic growth.

Australia must have a mature, nuanced debate on our immigration future, placing the emphasis back toward environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Author's summary: Migration has been integral to Australia’s economic and cultural foundation, with early Muslim migrants especially contributing to industries and community building that benefit everyone today.

Malaysia Sun — 2025-11-08