Peter Dutton says he’ll cut migrant numbers by 100,000 people a year as soon as he gets into office. He says it’s part of his plan to free up housing for Australians, but it could also impact the workforce needed to build new homes. 

Dutton is putting a number to his plans just days after immigration dominated the first leaders’ debate.

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 – and why.

Today, Abul Rizvi on the politics of population growth and the real impact of immigration on the housing crisis.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Former deputy secretary of the department of immigration, Abul Rizvi.

Background Reading:If I was immigration minister, I would develop a population plan

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

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;
Dutton is putting a number to his plans just days after immigration dominated the first leaders&rsquo; debate.
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.
Today, Abul Rizvi on the politics of population growth and the real impact of immigration on the housing crisis.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, 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>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Former deputy secretary of the department of immigration, Abul Rizvi.
Background Reading: <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>
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

How big should Australia be?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/59c320a9-3b08-4772-b0e7-b2bc000f0cd9/transcript

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