Fed: NZ third country migrants less of a drain on taxpayers

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-2000
Fed: NZ third country migrants less of a drain on taxpayers

Numbers of third-country migrants arriving via New Zealand have boomed in the last
ten years, but figures show they're less likely to be a drag on taxpayers than their Kiwi-born
cousins.

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK has released figures showing the number of non-New
Zealand born Kiwi citizens emigrating to Australia has increased nine-fold to 9,744 this
year from 958 in 1990.

The increase has led the government to put pressure on New Zealand to bring its immigration
policies into line with Australia's.

A spokesman for Mr RUDDOCK has acknowledged the influx of skilled workers is a plus
for Australia, but says the increasing number of back-door migrants is more of a concern.

But figures from the Department of Family and Community Services show third-country
migrants are less likely to access the dole and other welfare payments those born in New
Zealand.

In 1999-2000, Australian taxpayers paid $159.7 million in social security for overseas-born
New Zealanders -- $8,050 a head, compared to $8,278 for all New Zelanders.

AAP RTV kmh/kjp/et

KEYWORD: NZ CULL (CANBERRA)

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