MirandaLive: NSW Labor leader Luke Foley suggests slowing of immigration

NSW Opposition leader Luke Foley has flagged a slowdown in immigration as Sydney speeds towards a population surge of more than a million people over 12 years.

Liddell Power Station in the Hunter Valley. Luke Foley said he would never have sold the facility.

NSW Opposition leader Luke Foley has flagged a slowdown in immigration as Sydney speeds towards a population surge of more than a million people over 12 years.

Speaking to Daily Telegraph columnist Miranda Devine on her podcast radio program, Mr Foley suggested state governments get a greater say in determining the volumes of migrants being allowed into Australia.

“With migration, the states need to have a seat at the table with the Federal Government,” he said.

NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley: “In Sydney, we are hurtling from population of 4.7 million to six million in 12 years.”

“At the moment, the Commonwealth Government in Canberra — the least congested city in Australia — reaps all the dividends of new migrants, but state governments have to foot the bill.”

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“In Sydney, we are hurtling from population of 4.7 million to six million in 12 years. Would we not be better off if it took 20?

“If I was Premier, I’d be banging down the door of the Prime Minister saying ‘you need the states on board here and you have to listen to our concerns’.

Mr Foley didn’t mince words with his appraisal of the State Government’s progress or otherwise with Sydney’s invasive light rail system.

Sydney’s light rail project will feature 19 stops — when it’s finished.

“It’s a horrible mess, and at current rate of progress, this could end up being the most costly light rail project in the world,” he said.

Asked what he would do with the work if elected, Mr Foley said: “Well, I can’t promise a miracle — I have to say I fear it’s too late.”

Originally published as MirandaLive: NSW Labor leader Luke Foley suggests slowing of immigration