Towards a Re-imagination of the New African Diaspora in Australia

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The ‘New African Diaspora’ (<jats:sc>NAD</jats:sc>) in Australia is a small yet diverse and interconnected community. African-born persons make up only 1.5 % of the Australian population, yet collectively represent all 54 independent African nation-states, and speak over 60 languages. Nonetheless, Australia embraces stereotypical and misleading understandings of the ‘African migrant’, and whilst these have been subject to academic scrutiny, there is a need to reconceptualise the <jats:sc>NAD</jats:sc> in both public and academic discourse. This article endeavours to challenge contemporary perceptions through an exploration of the history and demography of the <jats:sc>NAD</jats:sc> and the manifold ways it continues to shape Australia’s socio-cultural and economic landscapes. We draw upon our findings from a 2018 mapping project, which comprised analyses of publicly available migration data, an online survey, and a series of six in-depth interviews. Our analysis unveils the central role the <jats:sc>NAD</jats:sc> plays in brokering between multiple cultures and geographies.</jats:p>

Promoting equitable health workforce distribution through improved migration governance: A mixed methods study of African health professionals' perceptions in Australia

“…SHW migrants have a dual frame of reference and can support knowledge exchange and strengthen health systems in both source and destination countries 53,54 . In addition, the number of African SHW migrants to Australia is increasing, and when migrants are empowered to serve as cultural brokers, they support the transfer of cultural and economic benefits between source and destination countries 55 . Hence, SHW migrants can influence established geopolitical foreign policies by advocating for cost‐effective and innovative foreign development aid to their African home countries, promoting an equity‐focused approach to SHW migration governance.…”

“…53,54 In addition, the number of African SHW migrants to Australia is increasing, and when migrants are empowered to serve as cultural brokers, they support the transfer of cultural and economic benefits between source and destination countries. 55 Hence, SHW migrants can influence established geopolitical foreign policies by advocating for cost-effective and innovative foreign development aid to their African home countries, promoting an equity-focused approach to SHW migration governance. However, involving African SHW migrants in the design and implementation of foreign development policies for their home countries requires that their integration into Australian society be well supported.…”