This century has seen a remarkable transformation of Australia.
In the 60 years post-World War II, Australia’s net overseas migration averaged 90,000 per year. Australia had only recorded two calendar years with net overseas migration (NOM) exceeding 150,000.
Immigration booster Professor Peter McDonald admitted in 1999 that “there were difficulties in the late 1980s when net migration rose for just two years to over 150,000 per annum”.
In the mid-2000s, Australia’s NOM more than doubled. In the 20 years from 2005 (i.e., 2005 to 2024), NOM averaged 233,000 a year.
As a result, Australia’s population has ballooned by 8.7 million people (46%) since the turn of the century, recording the strongest growth in the developed world.
According to new analysis from Simon Kuestenmacher, Australia has “the 9th largest migrant cohort of all countries, despite only being the 54th largest country in terms of population”:
“More than eight million Australian residents were born overseas. This means over 30 per cent of residents in Australia are first generation migrants”, Kuestenmacher wrote.
Australia’s demographic profile has also transformed, with Asia dominating migration inflows:
We can debate whether the changing demographics are beneficial or not. But what can’t be disputed is that the 8.7 million population surge this century has stretched the absorptive capacity of the nation and placed unbelievable strain on housing, infrastructure, and the natural environment.
The runaway migration train is certain to continue with the reelection of the Albanese government. Labor loves high immigration because migrants tend to vote Labor. The Indian community and migration agents celebrated Labor’s victory.
The 2024 Population Statement from Treasury’s Centre for Population projects that Australia’s population will balloon by 13.5 million people in only 40 years:
Source: Centre for Population (December 2024)
This 13.5 million projected population increase will be driven by permanently high net overseas migration of 235,000 annually, which is more than double the 90,000 average net migration in the 60 years following World War II.
This 13.5 million projected population increase is equivalent to adding another Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to the nation’s current population in only 40 years.
As a result, Australia’s major capitals will transform into crowded megacities:
Housing shortages will become permanent and future residents will be forced to live in high-rise shoeboxes:
Is this the future that Australians want?
