The role of migration is among the most contentious elements of the housing debate.

There is growing support across the political spectrum for the idea that affordability can be improved by taking action on the supply side and building more homes.

But some on the left and right argue more could also be done on the demand side.

Some progressives see opportunity to reduce demand by chasing property investors out of the market. But for conservatives, the obvious way to slash demand is to slash migration.

At the last election that cause was championed by Peter Dutton, who blamed housing pressures on the pre-pandemic spike in temporary migration. The argument retains currency among some Liberals and many voters.

Economists and housing experts echo the assessment that migration levels have

See Full Page