Fresh Newspoll figures reported on 24 September by MacroBusiness reveal that 66 per cent of voters believe Australia’s immigration intake is too high—a 9-point rise since March. Support for lower migration spans party lines, including a majority of Labor voters, and mirrors the ascendancy of One Nation and migration-sceptic independents. The poll lands as the Government markets its migration overhaul and the Opposition weighs a plan to tie net-overseas-migration to housing completions. Analysts say the electorate’s mood could embolden both major parties to harden their positions before the 2027 election, increasing the likelihood of further visa restrictions. For multinational employers, stronger anti-migration sentiment means policy risk is skewed to the downside. Long-term workforce planning should include scenario modelling for tighter caps on student dependants, shorter post-study work rights and narrower skilled-occupation lists. Universities—already bracing for the loss of family dependants under Labor’s reforms—face an additional reputational challenge in defending the economic value of international education. MacroBusiness’ chief economist Leith van Onselen argues that sustained high migration has outpaced housing supply and strained infrastructure, fuelling voter backlash. How effectively the Government can decouple skilled labour needs from population-growth fears could shape both policy outcomes and Australia’s attractiveness to global talent.
Source: MacroBusiness
