CANBERRA – The Coalition has unveiled a plan to rein in Australia's surging immigration levels by tying overseas arrivals to the nation's housing construction capacity, a move aimed at alleviating pressure on housing affordability and infrastructure.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor will present the proposal in his budget reply speech, emphasizing the need to restore balance between population growth and the country's ability to provide adequate housing and essential services. The plan seeks to address concerns that unchecked immigration is exacerbating the housing crisis and eroding the quality of life for ordinary Australians.

The Coalition's proposal includes a $5 billion housing infrastructure fund and measures to streamline the construction process by reforming the national construction code. These initiatives aim to boost housing supply and reduce construction costs, ensuring that new homes are built quickly and efficiently.

Taylor argues that the current rate of migration is unsustainable, placing undue strain on existing infrastructure and driving up housing costs. He contends that by linking immigration to housing completion rates, the government can ensure that population growth is managed responsibly and that new arrivals do not overburden the system.

"This is about mass migration running ahead of the homes, roads, hospitals, schools and services Australia can provide," Taylor is expected to say. Under the proposed system, the Minister for Housing would be required to submit an annual report detailing the number of new homes completed in the preceding 12 months, which would then be used to determine the limit for net overseas migration.

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 172,657 new houses were completed nationally last year, while net overseas migration reached 306,000. This disparity highlights the urgent need for action to address the imbalance between population growth and housing supply.

Taylor argues that restricting migration based on housing completion rates would help to stabilize the housing market and make homeownership more accessible for young Australians. He contends that by controlling the inflow of migrants, the government can reduce competition for housing and alleviate pressure on rents and prices.

The Coalition's proposal also includes measures to tighten temporary migration, including stricter rules for international students and prioritizing skilled visa categories. These measures aim to ensure that migrants are contributing to the economy and filling critical skills gaps, rather than competing for jobs with Australian workers.