Australian Opposition Proposes Linking Migration Levels to Annual Housing Construction

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor proposed that a future Coalition government would cap immigration numbers based on the number of homes constructed each year. The plan was outlined in the budget reply speech. Australia's permanent migration target for the current year is set at 185,000. Net overseas migration reached 304,700 in 2024-25, including temporary visa holders already in the country.

Population growth totaled 419,300 in 2024-25, consisting of 112,600 from natural increase and 304,700 from net overseas migration. Dwelling completions stood at 174,792, nearly matching the 174,708 additional dwellings estimated to be needed at an average occupancy of 2.4 persons per household.

Dwelling starts rose to around 17,000 per month in the second half of 2025. Treasury forecasts net overseas migration of 295,000 for the current year.

The budget papers included reforms to the Working Holiday Maker program aimed at controlling numbers and supporting national interests. Treasury modeling indicates most migrants contribute positively to the federal budget. Australia's fertility rate stands at 1.48 births per woman.

The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council forecasts demand for 900,000 dwellings and net new supply of 862,000 over the five years from July 2024. A former deputy secretary of the Department of Immigration stated that net overseas migration is likely to reach around 300,000 this year.