??Interview Recap: Townsville Enterprise's Concerns on Migration Policy Changes

Channel 7 interviewed me this week to discuss the serious concerns raised by Townsville Enterprise regarding the proposed changes to Australia's migration policy. These changes could significantly impact our region's ability to attract the skilled migrants and international students crucial for our economic development.

Townsville is currently on its most significant growth trajectory in over a decade, with a $27+billion pipeline of infrastructure projects that will require 20,000 additional skilled workers over the next five years. However, these proposed changes threaten to reduce skilled migration by half, reclassify our regional status, and lower the cap on international students—putting our growth and economic potential at serious risk.

During the interview, I highlighted a critical catch-22 situation: while increased immigration can help address workforce shortages, it also drives up housing demand and costs, exacerbating affordability issues—especially in areas already struggling with housing shortages. This is a lesson we can learn from Canada's current challenges, where similar policies have led to dire housing shortages that are now a significant national issue.

Canada and Australia - any similarities?

We must ask ourselves: Are there lessons from Canada (and other countries) that Australia can apply? Specifically, how can we focus on policies that not only attract people to regional areas but also retain them there for the long term? Shifting some of the migration pressure away from capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne and towards regional centers could be a crucial part of the solution. 68% of migrants end up living in Melbourne and Sydney alone!!! putting massive pressure on real estate, infrastructure, etc.

As a result of huge increases in immigration Canadian rental vacancy rates have collapsed, driving rental inflation into the stratosphere. The Canadian Trudeau Government has recently promised to curb immigration, including by capping international student numbers, the housing situation remains fraught (sound familiar).

The Albanese government’s first federal budget in October 2022 projected that 470,000 net overseas migrants would land in Australia over the government’s first two years: Instead, around one million net migrants arrived in those two years, meaning an extra half a million people have required accommodation.

The bottom line is that Canada and Australia will continue to experience chronic housing shortages as long as both nations persist in running high immigration policies.

Here are a few policies that could help: If we are to reduce immigration levels, then let's get smart about where they go.

1. Enhanced Regional Incentives: Offering stronger incentives for migrants to settle and STAY longer term in regional areas, such as tax breaks, subsidized housing, and educational opportunities. Perhaps more support for organisations who help migrants integrate into regional communities.
2. Permanent Residency Pathways: Streamlining the path to permanent residency for those who commit to living and working in regional areas for a certain period.
3. Infrastructure Investment: Ensuring that regional areas have the necessary infrastructure to support a growing population, making them more attractive places to live and work.
4. Targeted Skills Matching: Creating programs that directly match regional labor needs with migrant skillsets, ensuring that both the economy and the migrants benefit.

These are just a few ideas that could help ensure our migration policies support regional growth rather than exacerbating the challenges faced by our capital cities. Let’s continue this conversation and work together to ensure that Townsville—and all of regional Australia—can thrive under a fair and balanced migration policy.

Thanks

Clayton Cook, TP Human Capital

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