A growing number of Australians are voicing frustration over the country’s housing crisis, with nearly 15,000 people signing a petition urging the government to take drastic action. The petition calls on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to temporarily reduce immigration to zero in an effort to improve housing affordability.
The movement reflects a broader concern shared by many citizens who feel that rising property prices and limited housing supply have pushed home ownership further out of reach.
Housing Prices Have Skyrocketed
The petition highlights a dramatic rise in housing costs, particularly in major cities like Sydney. According to the data referenced, the median house price in Sydney has surged from around $37,000 in 1976 to approximately $1.4 million today. In some cases, prices are even reported to exceed $1.7 million.
While wages have increased over time, they have not kept up with the pace of property price growth. Today, the average home costs roughly 13 times the average annual salary, making it increasingly difficult for everyday Australians to enter the housing market.
What the Petition Is Asking For
The petition, launched by Conrad Gillard from the group Down Under Reform, outlines a clear set of demands:
- Reduce annual immigration to zero
- Allow limited exceptions only in critical situations, such as:
- Severe shortages in healthcare workers
- Urgent need for construction workers
- Other exceptional cases (excluding non-essential workers, refugees, and international students)
- Maintain these restrictions until housing prices in all capital cities fall below five times the median annual income
As reported by Sky News Australia, the proposal is based on the idea that reducing population growth could ease demand on housing and infrastructure more quickly than increasing construction supply.
Personal Stories Reveal the Human Impact
Beyond statistics, the petition includes powerful personal accounts from Australians struggling to find stable housing. One individual shared that they and their spouse were forced to live in a tent for over a year due to a lack of available housing.
Others echoed similar frustrations, with some calling for immigration to be paused until infrastructure and housing supply can catch up with population growth.
These stories highlight that the issue is not just economic; it is deeply personal for many people facing housing insecurity or homelessness.
Build More Homes or Reduce Demand?
The petition argues that Australia’s housing shortage is largely due to insufficient construction to meet the needs of a growing population. Experts have long pointed out that supply has not kept pace with demand.
This leaves two main options:
- Increase housing construction significantly
- Reduce the rate of immigration
Supporters of the petition believe that while building more homes is necessary, it is a long-term solution that could take years to deliver results. In contrast, immigration policy changes could have an immediate impact.
Political Reactions and Broader Concerns
Speaking publicly, Conrad Gillard said his motivation was both personal and national. Like many Australians, he dreams of owning a home and starting a family, but feels that goal is becoming unrealistic.
He also raised concerns about rising homelessness and increasing pressure on public services such as healthcare and transport.
Meanwhile, political figures are also weighing in on immigration policy. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor recently outlined a migration plan that would prioritize applicants who align with Australian values. He also pointed to an estimated 65,000 people currently in the country without valid visas, arguing that enforcement of existing rules needs to be strengthened.
A Divisive but Urgent Issue
The petition reflects a growing divide in how Australians believe the housing crisis should be addressed. While some see immigration limits as a necessary step, others argue that broader structural reforms, such as faster construction, zoning changes, and infrastructure investment, are equally important.
What is clear, however, is that housing affordability has become one of the most pressing challenges facing Australia today, and many citizens are demanding immediate action.