Against the grain of media coverage of viral videos of racist attacks on public transport, disparaging remarks of radio hosts and politicians against migrants, and of course the campaign against racism which suggests racism is rife in Australia, a Newspoll survey has revealed surprising results, some may say. What do you think?

The Australian reports that nearly half the people recently ­surveyed by Newspoll support Australia’s ­existing immigration intake, which settled 190,000 immigrants last year in the world’s largest per capita intake. Two-thirds were skilled migrants.

“Twenty-two per cent favour an even higher intake, with support strongest among the young, those on high incomes and capital city-dwellers.”

However, there is a lean towards European migrants with 26 per cent of Australians desiring more ­migrants from Europe. This is followed by a 20 per cent support for more immigration from Africa.

In contrast those surveyed seem to shy a little from Asian migrants who have support at 18 percent.  

Support for Muslim migrants is lower at 14 percent with 37 per cent favouring a cut.

The survey shows 27 per cent of Australians want the program cut, with low income earners the most likely to regard immigration as too high. Older Australians tend to favour the status quo, or a cut in immigration, while those aged 18 to 34 prefer an increase.

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Social Services, says Australia has peacefully absorbed 7.5 million migrants since the end of the last World War, including 800,000 refugees.

“We put our commitment to Australia and its values first, and we are a culturally diverse nation with one of the most cohesive soc­ieties on earth,’’ the daughter of Italian immigrants said yesterday.

"The Newspoll shows, however, that Australians still regard racism as a national trait, half a century after the White Australia policy was extinguished. One in five people agree the word “racist’’ describes Australians “a lot’’, while two-thirds agree it describes them “a little’’. Only 12 per cent of people believe Australians are not at all racist." notes The Australian."