How big should Australia be?

<p>Immigration is back at the centre of federal politics &ndash; again.</p> <p>The Coalition&rsquo;s new leadership is arguing Australia needs lower numbers, tougher rules, and a clearer cap on how many people we bring in each year.</p> <p>It&rsquo;s a familiar conversation. In the lead up to the 2024 election, Peter Dutton tried to put a hard number on it &ndash; promising to cut migration by 100,000 a year, saying it would help free up housing for Australians.</p> <p>But critics say a large cut would hit the workforce Australia relies on, including the people needed to build more homes.</p> <p>Abul Rizvi was a senior official in the Department of Immigration from the early 90s to 2007, when he left as deputy secretary.</p> <p>He says the argument we keep having &ndash; election after election &ndash; skips the bigger question: Australia&rsquo;s need for a long-term population plan, and what we want it to achieve.</p> <p>Today, Abul Rizvi on the politics of population growth.</p> <p>This episode was first published in April, 2025.</p> <p><br />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>Photo:</strong> AAP Image/Lukas Coch</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>