Experts urge Australia to set immigration targets for a ‘stable temporary population’
A new ANU report recommends that Australia set a hard cap on the number of people allowed to live in the country on temporary visas at any one time. The authors say managing the “stock” of temporary migrants – now 6 % of the population – would relieve pressure on housing and infrastructure while allowing government to calibrate permanent-residence pathways. If adopted, the proposal would reshape corporate mobility programmes and university recruitment strategies.
Apr 13, 2026
