Critical events and labour mobility: relocations in the wake of the Ansett Airlines collapse

Date

2009

Authors

Weller, S.

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Journal article

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Geographical Research, 2009; 47(3):242-255

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Abstract

Migration plays an important role in neo-liberal regional adjustment. This paper explores the role of economic shocks in stimulating internal migration within Australia. Drawing on the experiences of retrenched Ansett Airlines employees, it argues that economic crisis impels some households to relocate but traps others in places with restricted employment prospects. For some, the crisis of retrenchment triggers inter-state migration to take up new jobs. For others, it prompts relocation to less expensive housing, often in a geographically proximate location. These opposing responses, which are different outcomes of similar causal processes, exacerbate regional inequalities since they selectively encourage younger skilled workers to enter growing regions. The combination of high housing costs and insecure employment discourages speculative migration. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the policy implications of these findings.

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Link to a related website: http://vuir.vu.edu.au/4683/1/4683.pdf, Open Access via Unpaywall

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Copyright 2009 Institute of Australian Geographers

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