Australians are reluctant to openly link immigration to the nation’s housing crisis, a leading population researcher has claimed, despite official data showing broad support for migration.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) this week cited the ‘Mapping Social Cohesion Report,’ funded by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, which found 71 per cent of Australians in 2024 believed immigrants strengthened the country. That figure, while high, was down from 78 per cent in 2023.
Bob Birrell, president of The Australian Population Research Institute (TAPRI), said many Australians — including well-established migrants — privately felt immigration levels were too high.
“The poll that the ABS cited, it’s really just probing Australians’ politeness,” he told The Nightly. “Most people are not prepared to say outright that migrants are a problem, but when we ask them in our survey whether they are in favour of more diversity or not, the great majority of voters — including most well-established migrants — say they’re opposed to that. The concerns are very evident.”
“Most voters could see the connection between high levels of immigration and housing unaffordability.”
The comments come after thousands rallied in major cities two weeks ago against high immigration, a flashpoint in the broader debate over housing affordability and population growth.
While advocates argue immigration boosts the economy, fills labour shortages, and enriches society, critics link high intake to rising housing costs.
Other polls also show declining support. A TAPRI survey found 67 per cent opposed boosting immigration to increase diversity, while a June Lowy Institute poll reported 53 per cent believed migrant numbers were too high.
Despite the fall in sentiment, the ABS maintained that “cultural diversity is one of the greatest assets of Australian society” and said multiculturalism remained a “key indicator of cohesion, helping protect our society from social divisions.”
Net overseas migration dropped from a record 548,800 in the year to September 2023 to 340,800 by year’s end, including permanent arrivals and international students.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
