A new report argues that gradually doubling the migration intake in the next four decades would give Australia a significant economic boost.
The report from the Committee for Economic Development of Australia points to modelling that estimates a 24.5 per cent boost to consumer spending by the 2050s if the migration program expands.
The research and advocacy group says higher migration would deliver a 5.9 per cent increase in gross domestic product per capita.
The Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has hit back at Kevin Rudd, after the former Prime Minister slammed the federal government's proposed lifetime Australian ban
on boat-travelling refugees.
In an article for Fairfax, Mr Rudd accuses Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of sinking to a new low, with his proposal for a life-time entry ban on asylum seekers who try to reach Australia by sea.
Labor will receive draft legislation and a briefing on the lifetime visa ban next Monday.
Mr Dutton says Opposition leader Bill Shorten needs to make a decision on it quickly.
The CEO of the Dreamworld theme park says no decision has yet been made on when the Gold Coast business will reopen
The park has been closed for eight days following the death of four people on the Thunder River Rapids ride.
CEO Craig Davidson says the primary focus remains the victims' families as they prepare funerals and there is no timeline for the park's reopening.
Victims of historical child sexual assaults committed in north east Victoria during the 1960s are being encouraged to report their abuse to police.
Detectives want to speak to anyone with information about the alleged sexual assaults of boys aged between 12 and 14 at Myrtleford and Inglewood high schools or scouts groups.
In a statement, Victoria Police says it is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those people who prey on children no matter how many years have passed.
A private Christian school in Townsville will be put under the spotlight today (wed) at the abuse royal commission over the rape of a girl by four boys.
The commission will examine Shalom Christian College about its response to the sexual assault in March 2006.
Former principal Christopher Shirley is expected to be questioned over his handling of the incident.
