Former prime minister Tony Abbott and Sky News Australia host Peta Credlin have discussed how Australia’s “Ponzi scheme” approach to immigration is contributing to the national housing crisis.
In the sixth episode of the Abbott and Credlin podcast, the two political veterans analysed how the country’s migration policies are flawed, including a temporary student visa program that is often exploited as an easy pathway to residency.
“Exactly, Peta. Now, personally, I want to see Australia a bigger, stronger country, but to be both bigger and stronger. It is important that we've got a high-quality immigration program," Mr Abbott said. “Well, over time I think our population should continue to grow, but both from immigration and from natural increase,” Mr Abbott said.
“But there's precious little evidence that any of this is being done, and that's why the traffic jams are just getting worse. That's why we've got the rental crisis. That's why housing prices are going through the roof and so on.” “They're choosing to come to Australia because if they keep just doing one course after another course and end up staying here seven, eight, nine years, that strengthens the case for them to stay in Australia as a permanent resident.”
The pair have launched the series more than eight years after they last worked together in parliament.