Australia’s Immigration Levels

​​← Australia's Political Leadership​

Immigration contributes to Australia’s workforce, economic development, population growth and cultural diversity. It can help address skills shortages, support essential industries and strengthen communities.

At the same time, rapid population growth can place additional pressure on housing, transport, hospitals, schools and other essential infrastructure when governments fail to plan adequately.

The Australian Government has set the 2026–27 Permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places, with a strong emphasis on skilled migration. The central question is whether this level appropriately balances Australia’s economic and workforce needs with its capacity to provide housing, infrastructure and public services.

Question:

To what extent do you agree or disagree that a permanent migration program of 185,000 places per year represents the right long-term balance for Australia?

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Open Democracy Perspective

Migration levels are generally determined through government, departmental and stakeholder consultation. Project Open Democracy would add continuous public participation, helping governments understand where Australians believe the balance should be struck as economic and social conditions change.