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Cormann Warns Against Migration Caps, Urges Productivity Focus

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 10:47 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Mathias Cormann warned Australian politicians to prioritize productivity over populist policies.
He said arbitrary migration caps hurt businesses, hospitals, aged-care and universities without cutting living costs.
OECD data show regions with more migrants experienced faster Australian-born employment growth and no wage loss.
He urged housing affordability, wage growth and lower energy costs in a Saturday talk at the Centre for Independent Studies.

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Story summary

Mathias Cormann warned Australian politicians to prioritize productivity over populist policies.
He said arbitrary migration caps hurt businesses, hospitals, aged-care and universities without cutting living costs.
OECD data show regions with more migrants experienced faster Australian-born employment growth and no wage loss.
He urged housing affordability, wage growth and lower energy costs in a Saturday talk at the Centre for Independent Studies.