Migrants & Students Hit Back at Housing Crisis Blame | Australia Immigration News
Nearly 900,000 migrants have arrived in Australia over the past two years, yet they reject the "appalling" claims that they are responsible for the housing crisis affecting many Australians.
Migrant workers and international students argue they are being unfairly scapegoated for the housing crisis, an accusation they find deeply troubling.
Leading economists and opposition leader Peter Dutton have pointed to high demand and critically low housing supply, leading to skyrocketing rents, as a consequence of increased migration.
A record 518,000 people arrived in Australia in the year ending June 30, 2023, with over half being foreign students attending universities or colleges. The government expected another 375,000 net overseas arrivals in the 2023-24 financial year, but this forecast is likely to be exceeded.
Politicians Blame Migrants
Coalition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan and Peter Dutton have both suggested that the record numbers of migrants are causing a housing and rental crisis. In his budget reply, Dutton vowed to reduce migration rates and curb international student numbers. At Australia’s first People’s Commission into the Housing Crisis, migrants and international students refuted these claims.
Migrant Voices
A student from the Philippines, who has lived in Sydney for five years, described his 12-square-meter apartment as a sanctuary during tough times, despite its size. He recounted the difficulties faced during COVID-19 lockdowns, including isolation and lack of government support.
He criticized the narrative blaming migrants and students for the housing crisis. A Chilean migrant worker echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significant contributions migrants make to the economy and questioning what would happen if they all stopped working for a day.
Economic Contributions
The international student market is worth an estimated $36 billion annually to Australia, and migrant workers contribute significantly to the economy. According to the Business Council of Australia, every 1000 migrant workers add $124 million to the economy.
Living Conditions
Many migrants and students endure overcrowded and substandard housing conditions, often tolerated because they have few other options. They face restrictive rules from landlords and endure high rent for poor living conditions.
An international student officer from the University of Sydney highlighted that foreign students make up about 4% of the private rental market and being scapegoated distracts from addressing systemic issues in the housing market.
Political and Economic Perspectives
Former Labor senator Doug Cameron criticized the Coalition’s immigration policy as immature and unhelpful in addressing housing affordability. He argued that reducing immigration is not a solution to housing supply and affordability issues.
Economist Chris Richardson acknowledged the complexities of the housing crisis, suggesting that while immigration is not the sole problem, a temporary reduction might be necessary due to poor housing policies.
The debate over the impact of migration on Australia’s housing crisis continues, with migrants and international students defending their contributions and urging for a more nuanced discussion on the real causes and solutions to the housing crisis.
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