World Immigration News

(ABC NEWS)One Nation capitalises on anti-immigration sentiment in a housing crisis

Release Date: 2026-02-09
Media: ABC NEWS
Summary: A recent poll in Australia shows a sharp rise in support for the right-wing populist party One Nation, especially among younger and middle-aged voters struggling with housing affordability.

The surge is linked to a severe housing shortage. The central bank forecasts that housing investment will slow significantly and even decline by 2028, while population growth—driven largely by immigration—is expected to continue at about 325,000 people per year. This suggests housing supply will fall short of demand, making the government’s construction targets difficult to achieve.

Many migrants, particularly international students, work in service industries rather than construction, meaning they do not contribute directly to increasing housing supply. As a result, the housing shortage has worsened, pushing up both home prices and rents and increasing public frustration.

In this environment, One Nation’s clear call to reduce immigration has attracted support. However, large cuts to migration could create serious labor shortages in sectors such as aged care, hospitality, and cleaning.

The article concludes that neither increased housing supply nor tax changes alone are likely to solve affordability problems, and high housing costs may become a lasting feature of Australia’s future.
Tags: Australia

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