The migration debate has a big blind spot: much of regional Australia is shrinking

Key points

• Migration policy is a key political issue, with all major parties pledging to reduce net overseas migration while supporting regional workforce needs.
• The 2026 Intergenerational Report warns of lower fertility, migration, and faster ageing in regional Australia, risking a demographic divide.
• Regional cities with over 50,000 people are expected to grow, but smaller towns are shrinking without international migrants, who offset outmigration of younger residents.