Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is resisting calls for deeper cuts to migration, even as the anti-immigration One Nation party gains ground in opinion polls. The stance comes as the nation confronts a record low fertility rate, compounding long-term demographic pressures.
These twin forces — a shrinking natural population increase and political friction over immigration — create a significant policy challenge. The Melbourne Institute’s Roger Wilkins discussed the implications on Bloomberg: The Asia Trade, highlighting the tension between economic needs and public sentiment.
The fertility rate has dropped to an all-time low, though exact figures were not specified in available reports. Meanwhile, One Nation's rising poll numbers reflect growing public unease with current intake levels, placing the government in a precarious position.
The outcome of this debate will shape Australia's labor market, social services funding, and economic growth trajectory for decades. Without a steady inflow of migrants, the country risks a shrinking workforce to support an aging population.
Critics argue that high immigration can strain housing and infrastructure, adding credibility to One Nation's platform. Balancing these concerns with demographic realities remains Albanese's central test.