Editing Immigration to Australia (section)

==Impacts and concerns==
{{See also|Criticism of multiculturalism|Multiculturalism in Australia}}
There are a range of views in the Australian community on the composition and level of immigration, and on the possible effects of varying the level of immigration and [[population growth]].

In 2002, a [[CSIRO]] population study commissioned by the former [[Department of Immigration and Citizenship|Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs]], outlined six potential dilemmas associated with immigration-driven population growth. These included: the absolute numbers of aged residents continuing to rise despite high immigration off-setting ageing and declining birth-rates in a proportional sense; a worsening of Australia's [[balance of trade|trade balance]] due to more imports and higher consumption of domestic production; increased [[Greenhouse gas emissions by Australia|greenhouse gas emissions]]; overuse of agricultural soils; marine fisheries and domestic supplies of oil and gas; and a decline in urban air quality, river quality and [[biodiversity]].<ref name="csiro">Foran, B., and F. Poldy, (2002), [http://www.cse.csiro.au/publications/2002/fulldilemmasreport02-01.pdf Future Dilemmas: Options to 2050 for Australia's population, Technology, Resources and Environment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105070515/http://www.cse.csiro.au/publications/2002/fulldilemmasreport02-01.pdf |date=5 November 2010 }}, CSIRO Resource Futures, Canberra.</ref>

===Environment===
[[File:Melbourne at night from the International Space Station.jpg|thumb|[[Melbourne]] at night from the [[International Space Station]], showing its [[urban sprawl]]]]
Some [[environmental movement]]s believe that as the driest inhabited continent, Australia cannot continue to sustain its current rate of population growth without becoming [[Human overpopulation|overpopulated]]. The [[Sustainable Population Australia]] (SPA) argues that [[climate change]] will lead to a deterioration of natural ecosystems through increased temperatures, extreme weather events and less rainfall in the southern part of the continent, thus reducing its capacity to sustain a large population even further.<ref>{{cite web|title=Baby Bonus Bad for Environment |url=http://www.population.org.au/media/mediarels/mr20061023.pdf |website=population.org.au |publisher=Sustainable Population Australia |access-date=20 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627115015/http://www.population.org.au/media/mediarels/mr20061023.pdf |archive-date=27 June 2008 }}</ref>  The [[The Australia Institute|Australia Institute]] has concluded that Australia's [[population growth]] has been one of the main factors driving growth in domestic greenhouse gas emissions.<ref name=":1" /> It concluded that the average emissions per capita in the countries that immigrants come from is only 42 percent of average emissions in Australia, finding that as immigrants alter their lifestyle to that of Australians, they increase global greenhouse gas emissions.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://www.tai.org.au/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=36&func=fileinfo&id=47 |title=Population Growth and Greenhouse Gas Emissions |publisher=Tai.org.au |date=10 July 2011 |access-date=14 July 2011 |archive-date=8 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808233615/https://www.tai.org.au/index.php?Itemid=36&func=fileinfo&id=47&option=com_remository |url-status=live }}</ref> The Institute calculated that each additional 70,000 immigrants will lead to additional emissions of 20 million tonnes of greenhouse gases by the end of the Kyoto target period (2012) and 30 million tonnes by 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tai.org.au/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=36&func=fileinfo&id=876 |title=High Population Policy Will Double Greenhouse Gas Growth |publisher=Tai.org.au |date=10 July 2011 |access-date=14 July 2011 |archive-date=8 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808164736/https://www.tai.org.au/index.php?Itemid=36&func=fileinfo&id=876&option=com_remository |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Housing and infrastructure===
A number of economists, such as [[Macquarie Bank]] analyst Rory Robertson, assert that high immigration and the propensity of new arrivals to cluster in the capital cities is exacerbating the nation's [[affordable housing|housing affordability]] problem.<ref name="lo">Klan, A. (17 March 2007) [http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21376192-25658,00.html Locked out] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022125344/http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21376192-25658,00.html |date=22 October 2008 }}</ref> According to Robertson, Federal Government policies that fuel demand for housing, such as the currently high levels of immigration, as well as capital gains tax discounts and subsidies to boost fertility, have had a greater impact on housing affordability than land release on urban fringes.<ref name="wade">Wade, M. (9 September 2006) [https://www.smh.com.au/news/national/pm-wrong-on-house-prices/2006/09/08/1157222334155.html PM told he's wrong on house prices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019215927/http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/pm-wrong-on-house-prices/2006/09/08/1157222334155.html |date=19 October 2017 }}</ref>

The [[Productivity Commission]] in its 2004 Inquiry Report No. 28, ''First Home Ownership'', concluded: "Growth in immigration since the mid-1990s has been an important contributor to underlying demand, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne."<ref name="Microsoft Word - prelims.doc">{{cite web|url=http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/56302/housing.pdf |title=Microsoft Word - prelims.doc |access-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603013605/http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/56302/housing.pdf |archive-date=3 June 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> The [[Reserve Bank of Australia]] in its submission to the same Productivity Commission report stated that "rapid growth in overseas visitors such as students may have boosted demand for rental housing".<ref name="Microsoft Word - prelims.doc" /> However, the Commission found that "the ABS resident population estimates have limitations when used for assessing housing demand. Given the significant influx of foreigners coming to work or study in Australia in recent years, it seems highly likely that short-stay visitor movements may have added to the demand for housing. However, the Commissions are unaware of any research that quantifies the effects."<ref name="Microsoft Word - prelims.doc" />

Some individuals and interest groups have also argued that immigration causes overburdened infrastructure.<ref name="er3">Claus, E (2005) [http://www.pc.gov.au/study/migrationandpopulation/subs/sub012.rtf Submission to the Productivity Commission on Population and Migration] (submission 12 to the Productivity Commission's position paper on Economic Impacts of Migration and Population Growth). {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003342/http://www.pc.gov.au/study/migrationandpopulation/subs/sub012.rtf|date=27 September 2007}}</ref><ref name="er4">Nilsson (2005)  [http://www.pc.gov.au/study/migrationandpopulation/subs/sub009.rtf Negative Economic Impacts of Immigration and Population Growth] (submission 9 to the Productivity Commission's position paper on Economic Impacts of Migration and Population Growth). {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003114/http://www.pc.gov.au/study/migrationandpopulation/subs/sub009.rtf|date=27 September 2007}}</ref>

In 2024, Australia faced a [[Australian property market|housing crisis]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Record immigration is colliding with housing crises across the world |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/migrate/record-immigration-is-colliding-with-housing-crises-across-the-world/articleshow/109908660.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times |date=7 May 2024}}</ref> The housing crisis could possibly be linked to Australia's level of migration <ref>https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/article/2024/may/30/migration-has-been-blamed-for-the-housing-crisis-but-its-not-that-simple</ref>
===Employment===

Australia maintains a [[Skilled Occupation List (Australia)|list]] of skilled occupations that are currently acceptable for immigration to Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list|title=Skilled Occupations List|website=[[Australian Government]]. Department of Home Affairs|access-date=4 Jan 2021|date=10 December 2020|archive-date=4 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104002713/https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2009, following the [[2008 financial crisis]], the Australian government reduced its immigration target by 14%, and the permanent migration program for skilled migrants was reduced to 115,000 people for that financial year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/16/2517422.htm?section=justin|title=Immigration cut only temporary 16Mar 2009|date=16 March 2009|publisher=Abc.net.au|access-date=14 July 2011|archive-date=5 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805152525/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/16/2517422.htm?section=justin|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010–2011, the migration intake was adjusted so that 67.5% of the permanent migration program would be for skilled migrants, and 113,725 visas were granted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.border.gov.au/ReportsandPublications/Documents/statistics/net-overseas-migration-march-2013.pdf|title=Net overseas migration|date=31 March 2013|website=Department of Immigration and Border Protection (Australia)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126045250/http://www.border.gov.au/ReportsandPublications/Documents/statistics/net-overseas-migration-march-2013.pdf|archive-date=26 November 2015|access-date=28 December 2019}}</ref>

According to ''Graduate Careers Australia'', there have been [[Economy of Australia#Employment for newly qualified professionals|some declines in full-time employment between 2012–2015]] for recent university graduates of various degrees, including dentistry, computer science, architecture, psychology, and nursing.<ref name="graduatecareers.com.au">{{Cite web |url=http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/research/surveys/australiangraduatesurvey/ |title=Australian Graduate Survey - Graduate Careers Australia |access-date=18 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827054424/http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/Research/Surveys/australiangraduatesurvey/ |archive-date=27 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2014, a number of the professional associations for some of these fields criticised the immigration policy for skilled migrants, contending that these policies have contributed to difficulties for local degree holders in obtaining full-time employment.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/dentists-join-the-growing-calls-for-cap-on-student-uni-places/story-e6frgcjx-1226871304881| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140402193918/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/dentists-join-the-growing-calls-for-cap-on-student-uni-places/story-e6frgcjx-1226871304881| archive-date = 2014-04-02| title = Dentists join the growing calls for cap on student uni places {{!}} The Australian}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web| url = http://www.optometrists.asn.au/blog-news/2014/6/23/workforce-report-forecasts-1,200-excess-by-2036.aspx| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140720052514/http://www.optometrists.asn.au/blog-news/2014/6/23/workforce-report-forecasts-1,200-excess-by-2036.aspx| archive-date = 2014-07-20| title = Optometry Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-24/thousands-of-nursing-graduates-unable-to-find-work/5475320|title=Nurses union says 3,000 graduates cannot find work|first=John|last=Stewart|date=24 May 2014|website=ABC News|access-date=28 December 2019|archive-date=19 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519015332/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-24/thousands-of-nursing-graduates-unable-to-find-work/5475320|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Surfeit of vets prompts call to cap places| website=[[The Australian]]|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/surfeit-of-vets-prompts-call-to-cap-places/story-e6frgcjx-1226807060998|date=January 22, 2014|first=Julie|last=Hare|archive-date=January 25, 2017 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20170125123528/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/surfeit-of-vets-prompts-call-to-cap-places/story-e6frgcjx-1226807060998|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/does-australia-have-too-many-designers|title=Construction & Architecture News|website=Architecture & Design|access-date=28 December 2019|archive-date=28 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228013236/https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/does-australia-have-too-many-designers|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Accounting 'not cut' from immigration skilled occupations list for 2015| website=[[The Australian]]|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/accounting-not-cut-from-immigration-skilled-occupations-list-for-2015/story-fn9hm1gu-1227120626345|date=November 12, 2014|first=Nicola|last=Berkovic|archive-date=January 18, 2015 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20150118130524/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/accounting-not-cut-from-immigration-skilled-occupations-list-for-2015/story-fn9hm1gu-1227120626345?nk=52819a49a912daae89871175d7f130ee|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, the Department of Health forecast a shortfall in nurses of approximately 85,000 by 2025 and 123,000 by 2030.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace-relations/forecast-oversupply-of-doctors-to-hit-this-year-amid-calls-to-halt-imports-20170103-gtle76.html|title=Forecast oversupply of doctors to hit this year amid calls to halt imports|last=Patty|first=Anna|date=2017-01-08|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-08|archive-date=27 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827043928/http://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace-relations/forecast-oversupply-of-doctors-to-hit-this-year-amid-calls-to-halt-imports-20170103-gtle76.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, [[Monash University]] academics published a report which contended that Australia's immigration program is deeply flawed. The government's ''Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skill List'' allows immigration by professionals who end up competing with graduates of Australian universities for scarce positions. On the other hand, Australia's shortage of [[Tradesperson|skilled tradespeople]] is not being addressed.<ref>{{cite web
 | url =http://tapri.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Final-March-8-Australias-skilled-migration-program.pdf
 | title =Australia's Skilled Migration Program: Scarce Skills Not Required
 | last =Birrell
 | first =Bob
 | date =8 March 2016
 | website =The Australian Population Research Institute
 | publisher =Monash University
 | access-date =14 March 2018
 | archive-date =15 March 2018
 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003733/http://tapri.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Final-March-8-Australias-skilled-migration-program.pdf
 | url-status =live
 }}</ref>

===Economic growth and aging population===
Another element in the immigration debate is a concern to alleviate adverse impacts arising from Australia's ageing population. In the 1990s, the former [[Treasurer of Australia|Federal Treasurer]] [[Peter Costello]] stated that Australia is underpopulated due to a low birth rate, and that negative population growth will have adverse long-term effects on the economy as the population ages and the labour market becomes less competitive.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/national/costello-hatches-censustime-challenge-procreate-and-cherish/2006/07/24/1153593272565.html | title=Costello hatches census-time challenge: procreate and cherish | date=25 July 2006 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | access-date=20 February 2020 | archive-date=2 January 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102150849/http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/costello-hatches-censustime-challenge-procreate-and-cherish/2006/07/24/1153593272565.html | url-status=live }}</ref> To avoid this outcome the government increased immigration to fill gaps in labour markets and introduced a [[Baby Bonus|subsidy]] to encourage families to have more children.{{Citation needed|date=January 2017}} However, [[Antinatalism|opponents of population growth]] such as [[Sustainable Population Australia]] do not accept that population growth will decline and reverse, based on current immigration and fertility projections.<ref name="Goldie">Goldie, J. (23 February 2006)  [http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4163 "Time to stop all this growth"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225141712/http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4163 |date=25 February 2021 }} (Retrieved 30 October 2006)</ref>

There is debate over whether [[Replacement migration|immigration can slow the ageing]] of Australia's population. In a research paper entitled ''Population Futures for Australia: the Policy Alternatives'', Peter McDonald claims that "it is demographic nonsense to believe that immigration can help to keep our population young."<ref name="PFFAPA">McDonald, P., Kippen, R. (1999) [http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/1999-2000/2000rp05.htm Population Futures for Australia: the Policy Alternatives] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818001206/http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/1999-2000/2000rp05.htm |date=18 August 2011 }}</ref> However, according to Creedy and Alvarado (p.&nbsp;99),<ref>{{cite book|title=Population Ageing, Migration and Social Expenditure |date=9 September 2009 |isbn=978-1858987248 |last1=Alvarado |first1=José |last2=Creedy |first2=John |publisher=Edward Elgar }}</ref> by 2031 there will be a 1.1 per cent fall in the proportion of the population aged over 65 if net migration rate is 80,000 per year. If net migration rate is 170,000 per year, the proportion of the population aged over 65 would reduce by 3.1 per cent. As of 2007 during the leadership of [[John Howard]], the net migration rate was 160,000 per year.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/11/24/1195753378227.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2 | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Farewell, John. We will never forget you | date=25 November 2007 | access-date=27 November 2007 | archive-date=3 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203019/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/11/24/1195753378227.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2 | url-status=live }}</ref>

According to the [[Department of the Treasury (Australia)|Commonwealth Treasury]], immigration can reduce the average age of the Australian population: "The level of net overseas migration is important: net inflows of migrants to Australia reduce the rate of population ageing because migrants are younger on average than the resident population. Currently, around 85 per cent of migrants are aged under 40 when they migrate to Australia, compared to around 55 per cent for the resident population."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.treasury.gov.au/documents/1239/HTML/docshell.asp?URL=03_Part_2.htm |title=Part 2: Long-term demographic and economic projections |publisher=Treasury.gov.au |access-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602200750/http://www.treasury.gov.au/documents/1239/HTML/docshell.asp?URL=03_Part_2.htm |archive-date=2 June 2011 }}</ref> [[Ross Gittins]], an economics columnist at [[Fairfax Media]], has said that the Government's focus on skilled migration has in fact reduced the average age of migrants. "More than half are aged 15 to 34, compared with 28 per cent of our population. Only 2 per cent of permanent immigrants are 65 or older, compared with 13 per cent of our population."<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/backscratching-at-a-national-level/2007/06/12/1181414298095.html | title=Back-scratching at a national level | date=13 June 2007 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | access-date=20 February 2020 | archive-date=24 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924202948/http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/backscratching-at-a-national-level/2007/06/12/1181414298095.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Because of these statistics, Gittens claims that immigration is slowing the ageing of the Australian population and that the "net benefit to the economy is a lot more clear-cut."

Robert Birrell, director of the Centre for Population and Urban Research at [[Monash University]], has argued: "It is true that a net migration intake averaging around 180,000 per year will mean that the proportion of persons aged 65 plus to the total population will be a few percentage points lower in 2050 than it would be with a low migration intake. But this ‘gain’ would be bought at the expense of having to accommodate a much larger population. These people too, will age, thus requiring an even larger migration intake in subsequent years to look after them."<ref name="The Risks of High Migration">Birrell, B. [http://www.cis.org.au/images/stories/policy-magazine/2010-autumn/26-1-10-bob-birrell.pdf The Risks of High Migration] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810131505/http://www.cis.org.au/images/stories/policy-magazine/2010-autumn/26-1-10-bob-birrell.pdf |date=10 August 2014 }}, Policy, Vol. 26 No. 1, Autumn 2010</ref>

In July 2005 the [[Productivity Commission]] launched a commissioned study entitled ''Economic Impacts of Migration and Population Growth'',<ref name="PC index">{{cite web |url=http://www.pc.gov.au/study/migrationandpopulation/index.html |title= Economic Impacts of Migration and Population Growth - Productivity Commission Commissioned Study|website=www.pc.gov.au |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003902/http://www.pc.gov.au/study/migrationandpopulation/index.html |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> and released an initial position paper on 17 January 2006<ref name="pc3">Productivity Commission, [http://www.pc.gov.au/study/migrationandpopulation/positionpaper/migrationandpopulation.pdf Economic Impacts of Migration and Population Growth (Position Paper)], p. 73 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060625205846/http://www.pc.gov.au/study/migrationandpopulation/positionpaper/migrationandpopulation.pdf |date=25 June 2006 }}</ref> which states that the increase of income per capita provided by higher migration (50 percent more than the base model) by the 2024–2025 financial year would be $335 (0.6%), an amount described as "very small." The paper also found that Australians would on average work 1.3 percent longer hours, about twice the proportional increase in income.<ref name="pc2">Productivity Commission, [https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/migration-population/report Economic Impacts of Migration and Population Growth Key Points] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819041814/http://www.pc.gov.au/study/migrationandpopulation/positionpaper/keypoints.html |date=19 August 2006 }}</ref>

Using [[regression analysis]], Addison and Worswick found in a 2002 study that "there is no evidence that immigration has negatively impacted on the wages of young or low-skilled natives." Furthermore, Addison's study found that immigration did not increase unemployment among native workers. Rather, immigration decreased unemployment.<ref name="er">Addison, T. and Worswick, C. (2002). The impact of immigration on the earnings of natives: Evidence from Australian micro data. [https://ideas.repec.org/a/bla/ecorec/v78y2002i240p68-78.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929002200/https://ideas.repec.org/a/bla/ecorec/v78y2002i240p68-78.html|date=29 September 2015}}, Vol. 78, pp. 68–78.</ref> However, in 2005 the [[Productivity Commission]] concluded that higher immigration levels would result in lower [[wage growth]] for existing Australian residents.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/9438/migrationandpopulation.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029072643/http://pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/9438/migrationandpopulation.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Economic Impacts of Migration and Population Growth|archive-date=29 October 2012}}</ref> On the impact of immigration on unemployment levels, the Commission said: "The conclusion that immigration has not caused unemployment at an aggregate level does not imply that it cannot lead to higher unemployment for specific groups. Immigration could worsen the labour market outcomes of people who work in sectors of the economy that have high concentrations of immigrant workers."

Gittins claims there is considerable [[opposition to immigration]] in Australia by "battlers" because of the belief that immigrants will steal jobs. Gittins claims though that "it's true that immigrants add to the supply of labour. But it's equally true that, by consuming and bringing families who consume, they also add to the demand for labour – usually by more."<ref name=autogenerated2 /> Overall, Gittins has written that the "economic case for rapid population growth though immigration is surprisingly weak," noting the diseconomies of scale, infrastructure costs and negative environmental impacts associated with continued immigration-driven population growth.<ref>Gittins, R. [https://www.smh.com.au/business/beware-gurus-selling-high-migration-20101219-19201.html Beware gurus selling high migration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618142915/http://www.smh.com.au/business/beware-gurus-selling-high-migration-20101219-19201.html |date=18 June 2014 }}, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 December 2010</ref>

Robert Birrell has asserted that high immigration levels are being used by the Federal Government to stimulate aggregate economic growth, but that per capita growth is more important to Australians.<ref name="The Risks of High Migration" /> Birrell concluded that high migration does not benefit existing residents, because it dilutes the benefit that can accrue from the export of non-renewable resources which form a large part of the Australian economy. As well, Birrell argues that a slowdown in labour force growth would require employers to pay greater attention to training, wages and conditions of workers.<ref name="The Risks of High Migration" />

===Social cohesion===
The impact that immigration has on [[Group cohesiveness|social cohesion]] in Australia is not clear. According to a 2018 report by the Scanlon Report, between 80 and 82% of Australians felt that immigration had a positive impact on Australian society. Australians under the age of 30 were twice as likely to feel positively about immigration as Australians over the age of 60 were.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/more-people-want-a-cut-to-immigration-compared-to-last-year/10579038|title=More people want immigration cuts in 2018, social cohesion report finds|first=Shalailah|last=Medhora|date=4 December 2018|website=triple j|access-date=4 May 2020|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108095032/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/more-people-want-a-cut-to-immigration-compared-to-last-year/10579038|url-status=live}}</ref> A follow-up report in 2019 found that 85% of Australians polled felt that multiculturalism had made a positive impact on Australia, but 40% admitted negative or [[Islamophobia|very negative feelings towards Muslims]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/26/its-the-climate-not-immigration-that-keeps-australians-awake-at-night|title=It's the climate, not immigration, that keeps Australians awake at night &#124; David Marr|first=David|last=Marr|newspaper=The Guardian|date=25 November 2019|via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=4 May 2020|archive-date=3 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503202141/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/26/its-the-climate-not-immigration-that-keeps-australians-awake-at-night|url-status=live}}</ref>