Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Whitten for the question. For as long as I can remember, we've been a country that has welcomed—and, in fact, supported—overseas migration and immigration into Australia, and that has had very positive benefits for our community and our economy.

I think if Senator Whitten is linking investment in infrastructure or investment in housing—I'm not quite sure what element of investment Senator Whitten is concerned about—but I certainly accept that, for state and territory governments, investment in infrastructure for growing cities is a challenge. I wouldn't link it to overseas migration numbers. We have seen a big, significant pull forward, Senator Whitten, in response to the borders being closed, and some of that has been people who have been staying here, not leaving.