South Australia's Premier defends strong migration program
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said Australia should keep a strong migration program.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas spoke to the Sydney Institute this week. He said cutting migration would hurt Australia's economy and future.
The Albanese government is planning to reduce Net Overseas Migration from about 300,000 now to 225,000 by 2027, 28. The opposition has committed to larger cuts.
Malinauskas warned against a political race to the bottom. He said this was about who could cut migration the most.
Skilled migrants arrive job-ready. They add $198,000 to public budgets over their lifetime.
This compares to a net cost of $85,000 for Australian-born residents. Migration also helps with an aging population.
International students support research funding. Cutting international student numbers is like an export ban.
This harms Australian research and innovation, he added.
- 300,000
- Current Net Overseas Migration
- 225,000
- Migration target by 2027-28
- $198,000
- Skilled migrant lifetime benefit
- $85,000
- Australian-born resident net cost
Why it mattersMigration policy shapes Australia's workforce, tax base and economic growth. A premier's public push against cutting migration challenges the current political view. It may affect future government decisions.
AustraliaAustralia's migration intake affects wages, housing, public services and jobs across all states. Policy changes will influence who can move to Australia and work here over the next decade.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
