Hard truths: What immigration cuts really mean for the economy
The latest migration debate has so far been framed in terms of its benefits, but little regard has been given to the costs of closing the door on skilled workers.
The last time Australia’s immigration program was a front page political issue, more was better than less.
It was September 2022, and Anthony Albanese was facing calls from business and the Coalition to bring in more foreign workers to plug acute labour shortages caused by almost two years of closed borders.
Michael ReadEconomics correspondentMichael Read is the Financial Review's economics correspondent, reporting from the federal press gallery at Parliament House. He was previously an economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia and at UBS. Connect with Michael on Twitter. Email Michael at michael.read@afr.com