Oil major Shell has called for greater levels of immigration to help boost population growth in Australia.
According to reports in The Australian, the company’s chairman Andrew Smith said industry has failed to advocate for immigration policy which will help the economy.
Smith is reported to have told a Melbourne Mining Club lunch that an “often hysterical debate” has surrounded Australian immigration.
He said there had been “a failure of industry” to “advocate for an immigration program” which will provide economic stimulus to a “sluggish economy”.
He said:“Industry leaders need to both advocate for a balanced mix of skilled and humanitarian migration, then back up our advocacy with meaningful decisions that contribute to legacy.
“It is only through population growth that economic diversity will be delivered, unlocking the potential of Australia’s north.”