Peter Dutton proposes striking policy change to solve Australia's crisis

The challenge of home ownership is growing, with the housing crisis deepening nationwide.

A new proposal has ignited debate, offering a potential path to relief—but not without concerns about its broader impact.

The proposal has sparked strong reactions; some see it as a much-needed solution, while others raise questions about its long-term effects.


The Coalition's plan to significantly reduce immigration by 45,000 people annually aims to ease the pressure on the housing market.

If the Coalition were to govern, this reduction would see Australia's net overseas migration rate, which includes skilled migrants and international students, drop by nearly half to 180,000 by the 2026-27 financial year.

In contrast, under the current Labor government, net overseas immigration is projected to be 225,000, 45,000 higher than under the previous government, according to Treasury Budget forecasts.


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Peter Dutton proposes a significant change in immigration policy to reduce Australia's housing crisis by cutting immigration by 45,000 people per year. Credit: Facebook


Shane Oliver, AMP's chief economist, has weighed in on the Coalition's proposal, suggesting that a lower net overseas arrivals figure of 180,000 could, indeed, alleviate some of the strain on housing prices.

'From a housing point of view, you'd say yes,' he explained.

'It would more quickly balance the housing market - take pressure off rents, house prices. There's no doubt about that.'


The proposed 45,000 reduction in overseas migration could free up 18,000 homes, based on the average Australian household size of 2.5 people.

This would align the increase in net overseas migration with the annual rise in the supply of new homes, leading to a significant decrease in housing demand.

Dutton's plan involves cutting the permanent migration cap by 25 percent to 140,000 from the current cap of 185,000.

This cap encompasses skilled workers, family reunions, and humanitarian visas.

It is separate from the long-term category that includes international students and working holiday visa holders.

'Under the Coalition, we will cut the migration intake to free up housing and restore the great Australian dream of home ownership,' Mr. Dutton declared in his Budget reply speech. He emphasised.


If the Coalition were to win the upcoming election, Australia's net overseas migration rate would fall to its lowest level in 12 years, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period.

This decrease would also be influenced by the expected departure of international students upon graduation, a trend that will occur regardless of the ruling party.

Both major political parties have pledged to halve immigration levels from the record highs of late 2023, when nearly 550,000 foreigners moved to Australia.

Treasury projections show a decline to 335,000 in 2024-25, followed by a further drop to 260,000 in 2025-26.

Reducing immigration may offer some respite for the housing market.

Dr Oliver warns that cutting numbers below the 'sweet spot' of 200,000 could lead to slower economic growth and exacerbate labor shortages.


Immigrants often fill roles in sectors like aged care, healthcare, and hospitality—less appealing jobs to Australians.

Moreover, a lower immigration rate could hinder Australia's coping with an aging population, as immigrants typically represent a younger demographic.

The Coalition's immigration policy proposal presents a complex dilemma.

On one hand, it offers a potential solution to the housing affordability crisis, which has left many Australians struggling to achieve home ownership.

On the other hand, it raises concerns about the broader economic impact, including labor shortages and reduced economic growth.


Considering the implications of such a policy change, weighing the immediate benefits against the long-term consequences is crucial.

The housing crisis is a multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration of all factors involved.

It's a delicate balance between providing affordable housing and maintaining a robust, dynamic economy that can support its citizens now and in the future.

In other news, Commonwealth Bank forecasts a fall in Australian house prices in early 2025 despite expected interest rate cuts.

National fatigue is anticipated in the housing market due to stretched affordability. You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways

  • Peter Dutton, leader of the Coalition, proposes a significant change in immigration policy to reduce Australia's housing crisis by cutting immigration by 45,000 people per year.
  • This reduction would halve Australia's net overseas migration rate to 180,000 by the 2026-27 financial year under a Coalition government, compared to Labour's 225,000.
  • A population expert suggests that the Coalition's immigration cut could relieve pressure on the housing market, making homes more affordable by freeing up around 18,000 homes.
  • However, there is a warning that reducing immigration below a certain level could slow economic growth and exacerbate labour shortages in sectors that rely on immigrant workers.
Do you believe that reducing immigration is a viable solution to the housing crisis, or are there other measures that should be taken? How do you think such a policy would affect the broader Australian economy and society? Join the conversation and let us know your perspective.
 
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Reduce the number of bureaucrats. For the size of our population we are well and truly over governed. Add all those in Federal, State and Local government on a per capita ratio, and it would be at least 100s to 1. Imagine the cost savings to tax payers without all the consultant's and commities. Also reduce foreign aid. Charity begins at home.
 
This is a dilemma. I have no answers. Especially, as many people in the world have been dispossessed of their homes due to war. I'm not sure of policies affecting refugees coming to Australia.
 
It might look good on paper but how many promises disappear once they get voted in. I don’t believe a word any politician says, they say just what they think we want to hear. All out for themselves. The election is just about picking the best of a bad bunch. No matter who we chose they will screw us over
 
I would like to see us shut the borders completely....no immigrants for a couple of years at least. Surely over the last few years we have allowed enough immigrants in to help with our employment needs, but at the same time that has created our current housing crisis. There are far too many Australians suffering from homelessness at the moment and their needs require urgent consideration and prioritization. It is long past time that the Australian Government addressed this homeless situation in all states....the building industry needs support here as well as the backlog in housing the homeless has far outgrown its capacity.
 
The issue could simply be that we're living too long. Average life expectancy in Australia (which ranks amongst the highest in the world) as at the turn of the century was 79 years. It is now currently 84 years, and while in many of the immigrant cultures it is common for all generations of a family to live under the same roof and take care of each other, there are a large number of Australian seniors living alone, or being cared for in hospitals or nursing homes.` Property values have risen significantly in direct relation to the number of homes available and it has been a gift for property investors but has resulted in 1st homebuyers being locked out of the market.
With acute labour shortages across the board, including the building industry (to build the houses), immigrants may well be able and willing to fill those positions. A close look at some of the jobs that many Australians wouldn't even consider taking up, could also reveal their worth.
 

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