In February 2011, the Joint Standing Committee on Migration accepted terms of reference from the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, to inquire into the economic, social and cultural impacts of migration and to make recommendations to maximise the positive benefits of migration.

Joseph Camilleri has been actively involved in the Pax Christi movement since 1969. He served as General Secretary of Pax Christi in England in 1970-72, facilitated the establishment of Pax Christi in the United States, and was the founding President of Pax Christi in Australia from 1974, a position he held for over 30 years. He continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the Victorian branch.