Australia’s migration policy – and the way it shapes our economy, society and national identity –  will be explored this month at The University of Western Australia Public Policy Institute’s annual Laki Jayasuriya Oration.

Migration and the National Interest: Economy, Society, Sovereignty will be delivered by Labor Senator for Western Australia Varun Ghosh, on Monday 11 August.

Senator Ghosh, a UWA law graduate, will examine the role of migration in shaping Australia’s economic productivity, social cohesion and democratic sovereignty.

As anti-immigration rhetoric gains momentum globally, the future of Australia’s migration program remains a topic of much public debate.

This year’s discussion will consider the implications of that debate for Australia’s multicultural society and democratic future.

Associate Professor Paul Maginn, Director of UWA’s Public Policy Institute, said the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the complex and evolving nature of Australia’s migration policy.

“Professor Jayasuriya challenged the myth of a monolithic national identity,” Associate Professor Maginn said.

“This talk builds on that legacy by sparking critical conversations about who we are, where we have come from and how we move forward.”

The oration honours the legacy of Emeritus Professor Laksiri (Laki) Jayasuriya (1931–2018), a pioneering academic and policy advisor who was the founding head of UWA’s Department of Social Work and Social Policy.

Appointed to the Immigration Advisory Council by the Whitlam Government in 1973, Professor Jayasuriya was a key architect of Australia’s multicultural policy and an advocate for deeper engagement with Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

The Laki Jayasuriya Oration is an annual event that reflects and expands on his lifelong commitment to justice, diversity and political reform. For more details and to reserve tickets click here.