Hand-outs Help New Zealanders Find Their Feet Across The Tasman
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday December 11, 2000
New Zealand nationals who live in Australia have varied opinions about proposed changes to Australia-New Zealand migration regulations.
Mr David Monks, 26, arrived in Australia from Wellington in November 1997, and is an apprentice electrician.
After working in various jobs, Mr Monks received unemployment benefits while he completed TAFE courses as a part of his apprenticeship, which he is due to complete in two years.
Mr Monks, who works full time and is paying off a mortgage on his Wentworthville home, said he would not have been able to complete his trade without government assistance.
``There was no way I could work and do that apprentice course," he said. Mr Monks said he did not think the changes would make a huge difference.
``Kiwis would not come to Australia and think they were going to come here and bludge off the system," he said.
Mr Kelvin O'Donnell, 41, who has lived in Australia for two years, was forced to come here because there was a lack of work opportunities in New Zealand.
He said he could make twice the amount of money in Australia than in New Zealand where he had worked as a diesel mechanic.
``They need to do something, it's got to be regulated," he said from Sydney Airport yesterday, where he was meeting his two sons James, 13, and Matt, 15. Mr O'Donnell said the proposed changes would be a disincentive to migrate to Australia from New Zealand.
Dr Katharine Holdsworth, 29, works for a multinational telecommunications company based in Sydney.
She arrived six months ago after completing her PhD in engineering in Christchurch.
``In terms of the dole, I don't see why Australia should have to pay for New Zealanders to come over who don't want to contribute," she said.
Dr Holdsworth said Australia should remember that New Zealand ``heavily subsidises" education, but did not benefit from that education once nationals emigrated.
``If they want to get the highly educated people over here, then they have to provide some kind of incentive," she said.
``I don't think they should make it too difficult for young, educated people to come."
© 2000 Sydney Morning Herald