Vale Malcolm Fraser: a giant and a visionary

That equates to just 0.8 of 1% of the current Australian population. If the programme continues to be capped at that same level, by 2055 it will be just 0.5 of 1%.

According to the UN Human Rights Commission, there were 13 million refugees, and 46.3 million persons of concern globally by mid-2014. Many of these people are fleeing war and conflicts, some of which involve Australian troops. The need for humanitarian assistance has never been stronger.

There have been various attempts to have a discussion on this policy over the years. Fraser himself wrote a submission to the Government in 2012 arguing that the annual humanitarian intake should be increased to 25,000, and that this could be done without the need for legislative change.

Looking into the details of the migration assumptions in the IGR, we see a strong economic case building for increasing migration levels as well.

The report discusses evidence to suggest high levels of net overseas migration might increase productivity and that migrants are typically highly motivated and eager to partake in the Australian workforce.

The report also forecasts that a higher annual level of migration of 250,000, would by 2055 increase participation by 0.6 percentage points, and would result in lower spending on Age and Service pensions of around 0.12 percentage points.

These IGR figures are focused on skilled, targeted migration, however I would argue unskilled migration would be just as valuable to our economy, as it has been for previous generations.

I have seen the eagerness to participate in the communities in my electorate. The appreciation of families who were a few short years ago facing death or torture on a daily basis. The determination and giving nature of refugees who, having only recently settled in Australia themselves, have set up charitable organisations to assist others in our communities in need of assistance.

Of course to ensure our newest Australians have the opportunities to participate and are fully engaged within our community, we should invest in programs that encourage integration and promote English skills.

Looking at this from an economic perspective, by investing in our new citizens early we ensure they can quickly become part of our community and economy. They soon become tax payers and contribute back into the revenue side.

If I refer all the way back to Fraser's Inaugural Address to the Institute of Multicultural Affairs in 1981, there are points in that speech that ring just as true today. "Multiculturalism is about diversity, not division - it is about inclusion, not isolation."

In the same speech Fraser also pointed out that "it is perhaps the greatest failure of all to be blinded to real possibilities by myth and prejudices."

I haven't just seen the possibilities, but the real results in my electorate of Reid and across Western Sydney. I'd encourage all Australians to open their eyes to these possibilities as well.

The Coalition went to the 2013 election with a commitment to restore Hope, Reward, and Opportunity. I believe that by further increasing our humanitarian intake, we can again demonstrate that our words are matched with deeds.