Less measurable , but no less important , are the economic benefits from migrants ’ other qualities – attributes which set them apart from the general Australian population . This includes specialist skills acquired overseas , access to transnational business networks and first-hand knowledge of overseas cultures and practices . Migrants also self-select to come here , which drives them to succeed and fosters a strong entrepreneurial spirit . All off these less measurable benefits fall under the banner of cultural diversity , and a more diverse migrant cohort that is becoming increasingly valuable . Focusing on our tourism and hospitality sector for example , the Census tells us that employment in the accommodation and food service industry grew 35 per cent between 2006 and 2011 . It also showed that this growth was driven by people from overseas – particularly migrants from Asia ( up 60 per cent over the period ). Turning to specific countries , Chinese workers were up 46 per cent and Indian workers up 193 per cent . Employment growth in this direction and of this magnitude is well aligned to tourism trends . China has been our fastest-growing tourism market over the past decade – growing almost 400 per cent between 2004 – 2005 and 2014 – 2015 6 . This alignment has helped Australia ensure that it becomes better equipped to understand the intricacies of other cultures . There is no point having the best tourist attractions globally if the marketing , messaging and service delivery is wrong . Continuing to align with these markets will be especially important over the next decade , as growth from Asia – driven by a burgeoning middle class – will be even more spectacular . Tourism Australia estimates numbers from Indonesia will be up 66 per cent , numbers from India up 84 per cent and numbers from China up an impressive 111 per cent . In fact , by 2019 , China will overtake New Zealand to become the largest source of visitors to Australia 7 . The benefits of cultural diversity , however , extend well beyond tourism . In competing for business on a global stage , an appreciation of another country ’ s business and social culture is often the difference between success and failure . The business model and practices necessary for success are in large , determined by the culture of the market entered into . Australia has done well in this respect , capitalising on its cultural diversity and growing ties with Asian trade-partners . Trade with China for example , has outpaced overall growth in international trade – growing an astonishing 850 per cent since the turn of the century ( compared with an overall increase of 130 per cent ). Looked at another way , back in 2000 , China accounted for just 7 per cent of our international trade and by 2015 , this had risen to 28 per cent 8 . Leveraging off the benefits of cultural diversity , through the framework of a sophisticated migration programme , will be essential in weathering economic headwinds , as Australia makes the transition from its greatest mining boom ever to a more service-oriented economy .
1 ) Source : ABS , Australian Demographic Statistics ( Cat No 3101.0 ), September 2015 – 2.2 million through migration ; 1.5 million through natural increase ; migration = 58 % share .
2 ) Source : DIBP data – For 2014 – 15 the Skill Stream was 127,774 or 68 % of 190,000 places .
3 ) Source : DIBP , Australia ’ s Migration Trends 2014 – 15 ( forthcoming ), Table 3.1 – Exact figure is 743,676 for 2014 – 15 .
4 ) Source : ABS , 2011 Census of Population and Housing , Table Builder Data – 56 % of GPs , 55 % of dentist , 53 % of Chefs , 44 % of Engineers , 42 % of Accountants and 48 % of IT workers were born overseas .
5 ) Source : Deloitte Access , Fiscal Impacts of Migration model ( forthcoming ) and DIBP Continuous Survey of Australia ’ s Migrants . 6 ) Source : DIBP data – Offshore tourism Visitor visa grants . 7 ) Source : TRA , Tourism Forecasts 2015 , related content tables , Table
A5 : International Visitors - By Market . 8 ) Source : ABS , Australian Demographic Statistics ( Cat No 368.0 ), January 2016 .