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The immigration debate Australia is getting wrong
Migration has become one of the most emotional and divisive topics in Australia.
And that's understandable.
Many Australians are struggling with higher rents, housing shortages, congestion, pressure on services, and a feeling that population growth has run ahead of planning.
Interestingly, in his recent article in The New Daily, Simon Kuestenmacher argued that Australia should offer more permanent visas, not fewer.
And when people hear someone say Australia should offer more permanent visas, not fewer, their first reaction may be disbelief.
But Simon was not arguing for careless population growth. He's arguing that Australia is having the wrong migration debate.
Instead of only asking whether we should have more migrants or fewer migrants, Simon believes we should be asking what kind of migration system Australia needs.
Do we want a revolving door of temporary workers, international students and short-term visa holders?
Or do we want to be more deliberate about choosing future Australians, training them well, giving them certainty, and allowing them to put down roots?
In today's episode, I'm speaking with Simon Kuestenmacher about why Australia needs a settlement policy, not just a migration debate.
Takeaways
• Australia's migration debate should focus on settlement outcomes, not simply headcounts.
• Temporary visas create churn, making social integration harder for communities and employers.
• Permanent migrants are more likely to buy homes, start families, and invest locally.
• International students support education exports while filling future-skilled labour pipelines.
• Visa settings should align student enrolments with forecast shortages in key occupations.
• Better English standards improve university quality and strengthen workplace participation.
• A clearer pathway to permanence encourages migrants to commit to Australia long term.
• Backpacker visas support seasonal industries that struggle to find local workers.
• Reducing student numbers cuts revenue, which can force higher taxes elsewhere.
• Australia needs managed migration that protects social licence and public confidence.
About Simon Kuestenmacher
Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director of The Demographics Group.
Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.
He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.
Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.
https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire
About Michael Yardney
Michael Yardney, founder of Metropole Property Strategists, has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders.
While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.
Michael is a #1 best-selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.
Follow Michael on LinkedIn or Instagram
Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
Also, please subscribe to my other podcast, Property Investment & Wealth Creation Australia | The Michael Yardney Podcast. Just look for it wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.
About Demographics Decoded
Demographics drive economic performance, workforce participation and long-term prosperity.
Demographics Decoded explores:
• Workforce participation trends Australia
• Labour shortages and skills gaps
• Productivity and economic growth
• Urbanisation and employment hubs
• Small business and demographic demand
• The future of work in Australia
• Education, skills and economic mobility
• Regional economic development
If you're a business owner, investor or decision maker who wants to anticipate structural change rather than react to headlines, this podcast gives you the demographic intelligence to stay ahead.
Explore more insights at:https://demographicsdecoded.com.au
View all episodes
By Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael YardneyMigration has become one of the most emotional and divisive topics in Australia.
And that's understandable.
Many Australians are struggling with higher rents, housing shortages, congestion, pressure on services, and a feeling that population growth has run ahead of planning.
Interestingly, in his recent article in The New Daily, Simon Kuestenmacher argued that Australia should offer more permanent visas, not fewer.
And when people hear someone say Australia should offer more permanent visas, not fewer, their first reaction may be disbelief.
But Simon was not arguing for careless population growth. He's arguing that Australia is having the wrong migration debate.
Instead of only asking whether we should have more migrants or fewer migrants, Simon believes we should be asking what kind of migration system Australia needs.
Do we want a revolving door of temporary workers, international students and short-term visa holders?
Or do we want to be more deliberate about choosing future Australians, training them well, giving them certainty, and allowing them to put down roots?
In today's episode, I'm speaking with Simon Kuestenmacher about why Australia needs a settlement policy, not just a migration debate.
Takeaways
• Australia's migration debate should focus on settlement outcomes, not simply headcounts.
• Temporary visas create churn, making social integration harder for communities and employers.
• Permanent migrants are more likely to buy homes, start families, and invest locally.
• International students support education exports while filling future-skilled labour pipelines.
• Visa settings should align student enrolments with forecast shortages in key occupations.
• Better English standards improve university quality and strengthen workplace participation.
• A clearer pathway to permanence encourages migrants to commit to Australia long term.
• Backpacker visas support seasonal industries that struggle to find local workers.
• Reducing student numbers cuts revenue, which can force higher taxes elsewhere.
• Australia needs managed migration that protects social licence and public confidence.
About Simon Kuestenmacher
Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director of The Demographics Group.
Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.
He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.
Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.
https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire
About Michael Yardney
Michael Yardney, founder of Metropole Property Strategists, has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders.
While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.
Michael is a #1 best-selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.
Follow Michael on LinkedIn or Instagram
Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
Also, please subscribe to my other podcast, Property Investment & Wealth Creation Australia | The Michael Yardney Podcast. Just look for it wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.
About Demographics Decoded
Demographics drive economic performance, workforce participation and long-term prosperity.
Demographics Decoded explores:
• Workforce participation trends Australia
• Labour shortages and skills gaps
• Productivity and economic growth
• Urbanisation and employment hubs
• Small business and demographic demand
• The future of work in Australia
• Education, skills and economic mobility
• Regional economic development
If you're a business owner, investor or decision maker who wants to anticipate structural change rather than react to headlines, this podcast gives you the demographic intelligence to stay ahead.
Explore more insights at:https://demographicsdecoded.com.au