With the Population Aging and the Birthrate Declining, Immigration Is Not Just Beneficial, It’s Essential
But Why Is the Government Unable or Unwilling to Control It?
Australia is facing a demographic challenge: an aging population and a declining birthrate. Immigration is not just beneficial; it is essential to maintaining our workforce and economic stability. However, the current migration system is poorly designed, lacks strategic oversight, and exacerbates existing economic and social pressures.
Despite the clear need for a well-managed immigration program, the government appears either unable or unwilling to control it effectively. The influence of powerful business and higher education lobbies has led to an immigration system that prioritises profit over national interest. Yet, the fundamental rule of politics is self-preservation, and the cost-of-living crisis, particularly housing affordability, has become an existential problem for any government in power.
Lessons from abroad should not be ignored. The rise of far-right movements in Europe and the resurgence of Donald Trump in the United States highlight what happens when governments fail to take immigration concerns seriously. If Australia’s political leaders do not address these issues, public dissatisfaction will continue to grow, potentially leading to similar political shifts.
The first step toward a sustainable migration policy is setting a clear net migration target and assigning responsibility to a dedicated cabinet minister, as was standard practice for most of the post-World War II era. Immigration should not be treated as an afterthought within the broader Home Affairs portfolio.
One of the most pressing concerns is the impact of foreign students on the migration system. Currently, there are approximately one million foreign students and former students on temporary visas, with at least 100,000 seeking permanent residency. This backlog must be addressed to prevent further strain on infrastructure and public services.
The government’s attempt to cap foreign students last year failed due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. The proposed approach, setting individual targets for hundreds of tertiary institutions and renegotiating them annually, was impractical. However, a more streamlined and enforceable policy must be developed in collaboration with the crossbench.
Australia must shift its focus toward skilled migration, ensuring that new arrivals contribute meaningfully to the economy. The current system allows too many migrants to enter the country without the necessary qualifications, leading to declining productivity and economic stagnation.
One major issue is the recognition of foreign qualifications, particularly in construction and other skilled trades. Many migrants who possess valuable skills are unable to work in their trained professions due to restrictive policies. Meanwhile, unskilled workers continue to enter the country, often through pathways originally designed for education rather than employment.
The reality is that too many international students graduate from Australian universities and end up in unskilled jobs. This must change. The primary goal of the migration system should be to attract and retain high-quality professionals, not to serve as a loophole for low-wage labour.
Beyond student visas, family reunion policies must be reassessed. While reuniting families is a compassionate goal, it should not come at the cost of economic sustainability. The current system allows too many dependents to enter the country without clear pathways to employment.
Additionally, Australia must be more selective regarding immigration from regions where integration has been historically challenging. Cultural cohesion and social stability must be considered alongside economic factors. If other countries can implement stricter criteria for immigration, there is no reason Australia cannot do the same.
A well-structured immigration system is crucial to Australia’s long-term success. The current approach is unsustainable and risks further economic and social destabilisation. By prioritising skilled migration, limiting unskilled entries, reassessing family reunion policies, and streamlining student visa regulations, Australia can build a system that benefits the nation rather than burdening it.
The government must act now, before public frustration turns into political upheaval. The time for half-measures and bureaucratic inefficiency is over. Australia needs a migration policy that works—one that ensures economic growth, social stability, and national security for generations to come.
