WELCOME TO POPULATION & MIGRATION RESEARCH METROPOLITAN PERTH
AN ALTERNATIVE POPULATION STRATEGY FOR GREATER PERTH (2021-2031)
There are concerns in the community about the McGowan government’s high population density agenda for Greater Perth.
At Population Research Metropolitan Perth (PRMP) we explore a gradual population growth scenario. One which is more manageable than the WA Labor government high growth strategy.
Chart 1 below presents a conservative growth strategy developed by PRMP. By 2031, population would be 40% less than the Labor Party’s planned outcome.
The main controls on migration are conducted through State visa occupation lists. This represents the mechanism State government uses to reduce or accelerate net overseas migration (NOM). It is a crucial lever to slow population growth so that infrastructure is able to keep pace. Unfortunately the McGowan government are using it to enable very high NOM.
PRMP recommends the McGowan government prioritise unemployed West Australians first. The key policy to enable this is by restricting the State migrant occupation list until Western Australia’s unemployment level drops below 4%. It is unfair that unemployed West Australian citizens compete for jobs with temporary foreign workers.
A report by the distinguished WA born Professor Ross Garnaut demonstrated that, “Immigration lowers the incomes and employment prospects of low-income Australians”. He concluded the key policy lever to fix this is a 50% reduction in net overseas migration. PRWA have factored in a 60% reduction to 2031 due to the long-term recovery required from COVID-19, see Chart 1 below.
Note: The projections include assumptions by the Federal government of zero net overseas migration for 2020-21 and 2021-22, due to the Covid 19 pandemic and closure of Australia’s international border.
About Us
Population Research WA is a public interest website, examining the impacts of mass migration and rapid population change in Western Australia.
Get In Touch
Jim Anthony
jardin089@gmail.com
Mob: 0459497973
