Australians Get the Benefits of Migration | Australia Immigration News

The latest Lowy Institute Poll reveals a nuanced public attitude towards migration, capturing a snapshot of how Australians feel about this hotly debated political issue. As Australia returns to pre-Covid perspectives on immigration, public opinion remains divided: some believe the immigration rate is too high, while others think it is too low. Despite this split, the consistency of opinion over the past five years is noteworthy.

According to the 2024 Lowy Institute Poll, 48% of Australians think immigration levels are too high, a slight 1% increase since 2019, while 40% believe the levels are just right. Only 10% feel that current immigration levels are too low. This stability is surprising, especially considering the heightened news coverage of immigration issues in the High Court during the poll's March fieldwork.

The complexity of Australia's immigration system, with its various visa categories and requirements, seems to be better understood by the public now compared to previous decades of refugee and asylum seeker debates. The poll's data show that attitudes toward immigration levels vary significantly by age and education. For instance, 33% of 18-29-year-olds consider immigration levels too high, compared to 59% of those over 60. Additionally, 38% of individuals with a graduate degree believe immigration levels are too high, compared to 65% of those with up to a year 11 education.

As the next election approaches, migration policy is becoming increasingly politicized. Labor's commitment to reducing net migration through their migration review and the Liberal Party's focus on immigration policy under Peter Dutton highlight the political stakes. Media coverage linking migration to domestic issues like the housing crisis is likely to keep this topic in the spotlight.

Despite the divided opinions on immigration levels, Australians generally view cultural diversity positively, with nine-in-ten agreeing that it has been beneficial. This is a reassuring sign of social cohesion, even amidst debates on immigration.

Interestingly, the poll shows broad support for specific migration policies, such as relaxing visa requirements for Pacific Islanders and supporting free trade agreements (FTAs) that include provisions for skilled migration. This suggests that Australians can differentiate between various types of migration and recognize the economic benefits they bring.

In summary, while Australians remain divided on immigration levels, there is a clear recognition of the benefits that migration brings to the country. Further research is needed to understand the specific concerns and hesitations of the public, particularly in the context of upcoming elections and evolving migration policies.