Sydney Residents Increasingly view Immigration as a Strain, New Poll Reveals
Sydney, NSW – A new poll indicates a important shift in public sentiment towards immigration in New South Wales, with nearly half of residents now believing recent immigration levels are having a negative impact on teh state.The findings, released today by Resolve, come as NSW grapples with a worsening housing crisis and rising cost of living.
The data shows NSW absorbed 96,761 net overseas migrants in the year leading up too March. While acknowledging the long-term benefits of immigration to Australia – with the vast majority of respondents having immigrant roots – the poll reveals a growing concern that current intake levels are exacerbating existing pressures.
“Immigration often becomes a focal point when people are worried about affordability, especially in a city like Sydney,” explained Jim Reed, Director of Resolve. “sydney is typically the first destination for new arrivals, so it’s unsurprising that NSW voters echo the national sentiment that immigration is currently too high.”
the poll highlights specific anxieties, linking immigration to increased strain on housing availability, living expenses, job competition, wage stagnation, and public services.Only a quarter of respondents believe recent immigration has been a positive experience, a stark contrast to historical perspectives.
Reed warns this shift in perception coudl jeopardize public support for the immigration system itself,drawing parallels to past controversies surrounding boat arrivals.
The findings arrive at a critical juncture for the NSW state government, which has set ambitious targets to construct 377,000 new homes by 2029 under the National Housing Accord. However, Premier Chris Minns and Planning Minister paul Scully have recently acknowledged the difficulty of achieving thes goals. This week, the government passed new planning legislation aimed at streamlining the building process and accelerating housing progress, a move intended to address the escalating housing crisis.
