Opened the debate
Tyrrell argued that migration decisions should be grounded in facts and long-term national interests. Tyrrell stated that around 30 per cent of Australians were born overseas, which is more than double the OECD average, and noted that regions with higher migrant populations experienced better wages. Tyrrell claimed that skilled migrants contributed roughly $198,000 extra to the budget during their lives compared to what they used. Tyrrell emphasised that migrants are central to the care sector, with around 40 per cent of care and support workers being overseas-born.