Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-03-20 Daily Xml

Contents

Immigration Policy

The Hon. S.L. GAME (14:42): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Attorney-General, representing the Premier, regarding immigration in South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.L. GAME: The federal government has ramped up immigration to record-high levels at the very time the supply of the housing market is choking. Australia's population grew by a record 680,000 people in 2023, but new homes built over the same period stagnated to a paltry 170,000 in comparison.

The immigration policy of the federal government is driving the collapse in the rental vacancy rate, now at record lows. It is putting pressure on the state government, which is already struggling to provide essential services like health, education and infrastructure that will meet the needs of the South Australian community. My question to the minister is: will the South Australian government stand up for South Australians to cap immigration and avoid an explosion of housing prices and further increases to the cost of living?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:43): I thank the honourable member for her question. I will refer it to the minister responsible and see if there is a reply that can be brought back.