Australia could double its annual permanent migration over the next 40 years and reap significant economic benefits for the average person, according to a new report.
But it could do so only with better long-term planning around population growth, with policies focused on infrastructure provision, urban congestion and environmental degradation.
The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (Ceda) has released a report, “Migration: the economic debate”. It makes 17 recommendations to improve Australia’s migration program, saying changes are required to ensure it remains one of the best programs in the world.
Bureau of Statistics figures show net overseas migration in 2014-15 recorded an annual increase of 168,200 people.