The sudden rise of net overseas migration in Australia to over half a million in 2022-23 has given rise to a much broader debate on the benefits of immigration. This paper provides a discussion of the rationales of the Australian migration program and stresses the importance of drawing a distinction between temporary and permanent migration.

This research examines how population migration to particular suburbs or regions across Australia affects house prices in different suburbs and regions. Besides targeting policies that provide financial support for households experiencing housing stress in regional areas, policy-makers should be aware that policies focused on particular regions can have unintended consequences for nearby regions.

Understanding the patterns and impacts of population migrations within Australia is key for governments and providers of housing, infrastructure and services to be able to plan where they will prioritise resources. This research critically assesses the population projection methods available to Australian decision-makers and planners. A significant finding is that because different users need different...

Over the past year, restrictions have eased and Australia is adjusting to living with COVID-19. The 2022 Population Statement details how Australia’s population growth is projected to recover and how it is expected to change over the next decade, reflecting longstanding demographic trends like population ageing.

This report brings together three separate research projects to examine the capacity of Australia’s smaller cities to assist in managing population growth, including international and national migration. It also provides advice on which policy instruments and programs are most likely to redirect population movements to these places.