In a recent speech to the Sydney Institute, Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite admitted that immigration “has provided marginal economic benefit” and has not boosted the nation’s productivity. It has also created social pressures in major cities.
“Migration has been unresponsive to Australia’s needs; it has provided marginal economic benefit and has not enhanced labour productivity”, Thistlethwaite said.
“It has been concentrated on capital cities, creating some social tension and skills shortages have persisted despite steady flows of new arrivals within needed skills and competencies”.
