I was a Liberal premier. The party’s latest move is economically weak and socially irresponsible

October 11, 2026 — 5:00am

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I am a migrant. As a child, along with my parents we came to Australia seeking the opportunity that this country offered, and like the millions of others who have made Australia their home I will never forget what that opportunity meant to my family.

That is why I find the Liberal Party’s new immigration policy deeply concerning.

There is a big difference between managing migration and making migrants the convenient explanation for every economic and social problem confronting Australians.

The Liberal Party’s new immigration policy appears crafted for political survival rather than economic or social prosperity. It will cruel our economy and tear at our social fabric. The Liberal policy is being presented by leader Angus Taylor as putting Australians first. I believe it will do precisely the opposite.

Migrants spend, they pay tax and the majority who arrive are of working age and this country simply needs them. Our country is ageing and in the next three years, the number of Australians aged over 70 is expected to pass 4 million. From 2030, the ageing of our population accelerates further, with over-65s expected to outnumber under-15s within a decade. This is an economic and social reality.

As more Australians retire, we need enough working-age people to build houses, care for older Australians, staff hospitals, teach our children, run businesses, work in agriculture,........

© The Age