Part III: Community Studies

Part III: Community Studies

Many of the social costs and benefits of migration to Australia are either unquantifiable, or not measured, as illustrated by the regional and national statistical analysis contained in Chapters 2 to 6. To fill the data gaps and explore the qualitative dimensions of the social costs and benefits of migration, the CARSS research team undertook a series of focus groups in four communities – two in regional Australia and two in East Coast capital cities of Australia.

Toowoomba and South Brisbane in Queensland and Shepparton and Darebin in Victoria were selected by the Research Advisory Committee. The selection of these locations reflects a variety of settlement histories and experiences, both positive and negative in both metropolitan and regional Australia. The selection was guided by the following considerations:

• settlement history of the area—new, established or undergoing transition

• source countries of migrants—changes over time

• settlement experiences of migrants—positive, negative, mixed

• impacts on existing population—positive, negative, mixed

• service responses to migrant influxes over time—from government departments and agencies, community groups, and

• policy imperatives and the role of government.

A mix of sampling methods were used to recruit respondents for focus group interviews: the use of public directories, local government community organisations and telephone books. After exhausting these directories to recruit respondents the team used targeted sampling and general advertising to fill gaps in our recruitment strategy. A stratified sample design was used to proactively target respondents to reflect a cross-section of the area’s population. In each area civic leaders, representatives of the major employers, leaders of ethnic groups and charities, the local council, local professionals, local media, police and church, teachers, human services and community workers were sought for interview.

Focus group interviews provide a rich source of data that compliments and adds richness, character and specificity to the broad quantitative picture. The focus group interviews aim to unearth a rich array of information about the positive and negative localised social impacts of migration to Australia. To maintain consistency across the conceptual, quantitative and qualitative components of the study, the focus group instrument was organised around the four main measures of social impact: human capital, social capital, natural capital and produced and financial capital. Questions were composed around several key themes: the impact of migration on local culture and diversity, formation of social networks and changes in neighbourhood, patterns of crime and justice, experiences at work, in education and employment, involvement in civil society, and broader impact on economy, business and productive diversity.

The size of the focus group varied from two to eight. The mean size was four. This variation was due largely to the availability of participants and unforseen events (such as traffic jams) that led to some participants not being able to attend the focus group at the last minute. Each interview went for around 90 minutes. Most went over time as participants wanted to continue the conversation. Two researchers were present at each group – one to observe and take notes, the other to trigger responses using the instrument as a guide. All interviews were recorded for the purposes of transcription. Each participant signed a consent form and were given a guarantee that their identities or any individually identifying information would remain confidential. The study underwent ethical clearance before the collection of any data.

The basic methodology of focus group design was to use a number of trigger questions (with embedded follow up questions) to facilitate responses. A certain amount of spontaneity and uncertainty characterises this method. Hence not all questions were asked of all groups. However every participant was given the opportunity to sum their perceptions of the costs and benefits of migration to Australia.

The qualitative methodology used a number of sampling strategies aimed to capture a wide variety of views from a cross section of community, volunteer welfare and government organisations. The sampling targeted respondents from a range of backgrounds, professions, community or interest groups who could also provide insider knowledge around two of the major themes of the report, namely the impact of migration on human and social capital. Potential respondents and organisations were grouped under the following Human or Social Capital clusters of potential informants:

1.2 Workplace Training, Educational Professionals and Childcare

Workers

1.3 Leisure, Clubs and Sporting Associations

Professionals

2.2 Local Council, Public Housing, Migrant and Civic

Representatives

2.3 Cultural, Philanthropic and Religious Organisations
Limitations of the method

While focus group interviews can generate a rich array of qualitative data it cannot be generalised to broader population. Nevertheless surprisingly similar responses and common themes emerged across the four communities. There were also some costs and benefits specific to certain locations. It is common in social research to use multiple strategies to explore research questions as a way of triangulating findings (Punch, 1998; Liamputtong, Ezzy, 2004:40-41). The ensuing analysis of the community case studies has combined focus group data with local reports, publications and secondary material as a way of triangulating the findings. To make the data more robust, the analysis also refers in places to supporting quantitative data from previous chapters where available.