How big should Australia be?

<p>Peter Dutton says he&rsquo;ll cut migrant numbers by 100,000 people a year as soon as he gets into office. He says it&rsquo;s part of his plan to free up housing for Australians, but it could also impact the workforce needed to build new homes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dutton is putting a number to his plans just days after immigration dominated the first leaders&rsquo; debate.</p> <p>Abul Rizvi was a senior official in the Department of Immigration from the early 90s to 2007, until he left while serving as deputy secretary. He says our current discourse ignores the need for a long-term population plan, addressing how big our country should be &ndash; and why.</p> <p>Today, Abul Rizvi on the politics of population growth and the real impact of immigration on the housing crisis.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you enjoy<em> 7am</em>, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Former deputy secretary of the department of immigration, Abul Rizvi.</p> <p><strong>Background Reading:</strong> <a href="https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/04/if-i-was-immigration-minister-i-would-develop-a-population-plan/">If I was immigration minister, I would develop a population plan</a></p> <p><strong>Photo: </strong>AAP Image/Lukas Coch</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>