Australia’s overall population should stay within ecological limits.

Some migration is needed to maintain the current working-age population level due to the declining birth rate and as existing workers move to retirement.

Migration and housing

Most of Australia’s economic problems such as housing affordability are due to our tax settings and lack of supply. We also have a declining birth rate so the population would shrink without migration.

In particular note house construction has exceeded the rate of migration in the last decade but the price has still gone up – so migration is not to blame. (Australia Institute)

Migrant construction workers are critical in the housing industry.

Migration and health

The healthcare and aged care systems are full of 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 GDP per head, not GDP. We should also use other measures such as a Genuine Progress Indicator to capture changes in quality of life rather than just the gross spending on things.