ABC National Forum tackles migration debate on ABC TV – ABC National Forum returns on Monday, 14 September at 8:30pm with a live discussion focused on migration, multiculturalism and the policy choices shaping Australia’s future.
Hosted by David Speers, the special will bring together political figures, policy experts, business and education voices, regional community leaders and everyday Australians for a national conversation about one of the country’s most contested public issues.
For ABC, the forum arrives at a moment when migration is again central to federal politics and cost-of-living debate, giving the broadcaster a chance to frame a complex national issue through public-interest television rather than a straight panel-show argument.
The program will examine Australia’s long-standing migration model, including the way migration has helped shape one of the world’s most successful multicultural nations while also raising pressure-point questions around housing, infrastructure, skills, universities and regional communities.
The release says a record number of Australians now believe migration levels are too high, with Labor, the Coalition and One Nation all agreeing that the intake should be reduced while differing on how that should happen.
Among the questions expected to be tested are why net overseas migration is difficult to reduce, which visa categories could face changes, and what migrants contribute to and cost the economy.
Joining the program are Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly, Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability Andrew Hastie, and One Nation Treasury spokesman Barnaby Joyce.
The forum will also look at Australia’s five-decade commitment to multiculturalism and why a policy area once widely celebrated has become so politically divisive.
ABC National Forum on Migration airs live Monday, 14 September at 8:30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
For more ABC coverage, visit TV Central’s ABC section. For official viewing information, visit ABC iview.
