Economist Saul Eslake discusses the impact of slashing migration on population growth. Topics include housing, childcare, hospital beds, and the need for balanced migration policies. The podcast explores concerns about healthcare, education, housing pressures, and the consequences of reducing migration levels for sustainable growth.
Slashing migration may alleviate housing demand but could cause shortages in skilled workers.
Reducing migration intake challenges the need for sustainable economic growth and future living standards.
Deep dives
Migration Policy Debate
The podcast explores the ongoing debate regarding migration policy in Australia, particularly focusing on the proposed cuts to migration intake by both the government and the opposition. It highlights the concerns raised by politicians such as Peter Dutton about the strain migrants are putting on essential services like healthcare, education, and housing. The discussion delves into the implications of reducing the number of international students coming to Australia and the potential impact on the composition of the country's migration intake.
Need for Migration
The podcast delves into the question of whether Australia truly needs migration and the potential consequences of scaling back migration intake. It references examples like Japan, a country with limited immigration programs, to explore the implications of reducing migration. The discussion stresses the human instinct for economic growth and better living standards over generations, highlighting the complex factors involved in managing migration for sustainable development.
Impact of Cutting Migration
The podcast discusses the possible outcomes of cutting migration in Australia, emphasizing that while it may temporarily reduce pressure on housing, it could also lead to shortages of skilled and unskilled workers. The conversation addresses the need for improvements in education and training systems to reduce reliance on migrant workers in various skilled occupations. It concludes by highlighting that cutting migration is not a simple or inexpensive solution and could have wide-ranging implications for the labor market and societal dynamics.