Australia should aim to keep the working-age population stable.

Most countries now have a declining working-age population.

Australia’s overall population should stay within ecological limits, but the working-age population should remain about the same.

Migration is needed to maintain the current working-age population level due to the declining birth rate, emigration and as existing workers move to retirement. This would mean at least 100,000 migrants are needed each year.

Migration and housing

There are 11.2 million dwellings for 10.7 million households, but a third of households are renting.

A quarter of Australia’s property investments held by 1% of taxpayers.

Over the last ten years:

• Population growth was 16%
• The number of dwellings increased by 19%
• House prices rose 75%

So there are enough homes for everyone, the problem is distribution. That said, there is ample opportunity to create millions of new apartments on wasted land in our major cities. See our More Housing page.

Migration and health

The healthcare and aged care systems is dependant on skilled migrant workers, and more are needed. Cutting back on migration of skilled medical workers would severely hamper provision of health services.

Non-racist immigration

We oppose racist anti-migrant policies proposed by those who want to go back to the White Australia Policy and deport everyone else.

Migration and the economy

Economic progress should be measured in terms of well being not GDP.

We should use measures such as a Genuine Progress Indicator to capture changes in quality of life rather than just the gross spending on things.

Encouraging emigration

Emigration of people who are opposed to progressive, scientific & secular government should be encouraged with grants to offset their relocation costs.