Think Australia would be better off with less migration? The numbers tell a different story
The Australian Treasury argues that maintaining a robust migration program is essential to offset the economic impacts of an ageing population and declining fertility rates. The report suggests that current anti-migration rhetoric ignores the structural necessity of overseas labor to sustain the economy and fund social services.
Why it matters
It highlights the tension between political populism and long-term economic sustainability in developed nations facing demographic decline.
For those who think we would be better off with less migration, Treasury’s analysis provides some evidence that the opposite is true. For those who think we would be better off with less migration, Treasury’s analysis provides some evidence that the opposite is true. Australian immigration and asylum Analysis Think Australia would be better off with less migration? The numbers tell a different story Patrick Commins The population is ageing and we’re having fewer babies. Labor should keep that in mind as the migration debate rages
Get our new political email , free app or daily news podcast
The intergenerational report lays bare how today’s growing anti-migration rhetoric clashes with a future where we need to attract people from overseas to help grow the economy and pay for our ageing population.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in