22/09/2026
Australia Wants Lower Migration — But Productivity Is the Bigger Challenge
An ABC analysis by economist and columnist Alan Kohler argues that reducing migration alone will not solve Australia’s economic pressures. He points to weak productivity and low business investment as major reasons living standards have struggled despite overall economic growth. (ABC News)
Australia’s population grew by 392,700 in the year to March 2026, including 292,100 net overseas migrants. Kohler notes that since 2010, GDP has grown by an average 2.4% a year, while GDP per person has increased by only about 0.5% annually and real disposable income by about 0.1%. (ABC News)
Migration has become a major political issue, with different proposals now on the table:
• Labor: targeting net overseas migration of 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 in 2027–28.
• Coalition: proposing around 170,000 a year, linked to housing construction.
• One Nation: proposing negative net migration for three years, followed by a 130,000 annual cap. (ABC News)
Kohler’s central argument is that if Australia wants slower population growth without sacrificing economic growth, it will also need to lift productivity, investment and infrastructure capacity. He points to Canada’s recent investment incentives and faster project-approval policies as one possible comparison. (ABC News)
Productivity AustralianEconomy Housing CostOfLiving SkilledMigration AustralianPolitics ABCNews
