Think Australia would be better off with less migration? The numbers tell a different story

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-21T09:51:51.682Z • Permanent link

Australia's migration policy has been a topic of intense debate in recent years, with some arguing that the country's aging population and declining birth rate are sufficient justification for reducing the number of migrants admitted. However, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) suggests that this approach may not be as effective as proponents claim. According to the ABS, migrants aged 15-64 are significantly more likely to be working than native-born Australians, and they also contribute to the workforce through higher levels of participation in the labor market.

One key driver of this trend is the fact that migrants are often drawn to the Australian labor market because of the country's relatively high wages and favorable work conditions. For example, according to data from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, the median annual salary for migrants in Australia was AU$74,300 in 2020-21, compared to AU$67,300 for native-born Australians. This has led to a brain drain of sorts, as highly skilled migrants are attracted to Australia's labor market and leave other countries in their wake.

Furthermore, the ABS data also suggests that migrants are not just limited to low-skilled work. According to the ABS, in 2019-20, 43.8% of migrants in the workforce held a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 29.4% of native-born Australians. This has significant implications for the Australian economy, as it suggests that migrants are not just filling labor gaps but also bringing new skills and expertise to the table.

The impact of migration on the Australian labor market has significant implications for companies such as Telstra, Commonwealth Bank, and Westpac, which rely heavily on migrant workers to fill labor gaps and drive economic growth. Research communities and policymakers are also taking notice, as the data suggests that migration can have a positive impact on the economy and society as a whole. For example, a study by the Australian Institute found that migrants contribute AU$35 billion to the Australian economy each year, and that they also pay significant amounts of tax.

Moreover, the data also highlights the importance of effective migration policies that balance the needs of the economy with the needs of migrants themselves. As the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs notes, the migration system is designed to attract skilled workers who can fill labor gaps and drive economic growth. However, the system also needs to be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of migrants, who may not always have the same skills or experience as native-born Australians.

Australia's migration policy is just one part of a larger pattern of economic and demographic change that is shaping the country's future. As the population ages and birth rates decline, policymakers are facing significant challenges in terms of how to support older Australians and attract younger workers. This is not unique to Australia, however - many countries around the world are grappling with similar challenges.