Jennifer’s STORY
Jennifer and her family migrated to Australia from Singapore around 12 years ago as
skilled migrants on a 457 Visa. She works as a recruitment consultant.
How would you describe your sense of belonging in Australia?
When I first came to Australia, I didn’t really feel like I belonged at all - it was like
being on holiday in a strange place and trying to get to know it.
But over the years, through interactions with people at the school – teachers,
other parents, their children – and with people at our church, particularly with
other migrants, we’ve felt welcome and grown to see Australia as home.
What was your experience of coming to Australia?
My husband and I came over on a Skilled Migration Visa, that basically says
‘These are skills that Australia is in need of’. It was a bit disappointing in that it
took him about a year before he found a job – he had written countless
application letters and emails and all of that. It was pretty rough for us, with
three school-going children and me not working, and him not able to find work.
Do you think accepting immigrants makes Australia stronger?
Accepting immigrants definitely makes for a stronger Australia. It brings in
people who have different talents, who are creative and skilled in different ways
and can offer different perspectives.
Even from a business standpoint, if you look at getting people into Australia
from overseas, it can drive another strand of the economy.
What has been your experience of working life in Australia?
When my husband and I came we were mid-career migrants, which is always a bit difficult because frankly, when we arrived
here we didn’t attain the same level as in our previous jobs – and I guess we never will. I look at it positively and say, it’s
something small to give up - but I also know that when you have three kids, the quality of your job is also important.
How important is civil participation – ie volunteering, voting, writing to MPs?
Two years after we moved here, we became citizens of Australia because we wanted to vote. I think that having a voice and a
say in the country you live in - the country you call home - is really important. It keeps the politicians honest, and it allows them
to get feedback on what’s actually happening at a grass-roots level.
What has been your experience of discrimination in Australia?
Racism in Australia is covert. I think most Australians recognise racism, they know what it is, and they will always talk the talk
about it, but whether they’ll walk the walk is another thing.
Sometimes, people have been very cold towards me, but once I open my mouth and they hear that I can speak English, there
is a difference in their treatment of me. I don’t think that’s outright racism, but it’s certainly uncomfortable when you’re on the
other side of the table.
What is your future vision for Australia?
My vision for Australia is that we can all live and work harmoniously
together – not looking at each other as segregated teams of people,
decided by religion or background or culture – all those should really
be subsumed into the background and everyone should say they are,
at the end of the day, Australian.