Billionaire developer Harry Triguboff has called on the Australian government to raise immigration levels to address the country’s aging population and housing challenges. Speaking on the *Straight Talk with Mark Bouris* podcast, the founder of Meriton Group emphasized the importance of immigration for Australia’s economic and social development.
“We need more immigration. Without it, it’s very difficult to build,” Triguboff explained, noting that the country’s population demographics could lead to economic strain if not addressed.
Triguboff, who is estimated to be Australia’s fourth-richest person, warned that the nation’s aging population could lead to a “collapse” unless immigration numbers are increased. He explained that people from around the world are eager to live in Australia because of its high quality of life. “Life is so difficult in many parts of the world that everyone would love to come here—not to harm us, but to live in a better place,” he said.
He also advocated for a more diverse immigration policy, welcoming migrants from a variety of backgrounds. While Triguboff acknowledged the valuable contributions of Chinese migrants, he cautioned against an over-reliance on any single group. “The Chinese are wonderful migrants. They work hard, they’re educated, and they bring money,” he said, adding, “but we can’t depend on just one group.”
Triguboff expressed admiration for Eastern Europeans and South Americans, emphasizing their strong work ethic and potential to contribute positively to Australian society. “I like Eastern Europeans because they know how to work. They’re well-educated, and they will be good for the country,” he said.
While acknowledging the strengths of Chinese immigrants, Triguboff suggested that Australia needs a balanced mix of migrants from different backgrounds. “We can’t just rely on one group. If the Chinese love their culture so much, why did they come here in the first place?” he remarked.
The real estate mogul also turned his attention to Australia’s ongoing housing crisis, criticizing local councils for their slow approval processes for new developments. “Councils don’t approve anything quickly. I have a lot of money, but I can’t get approval to build more,” Triguboff said.
To address this, Triguboff proposed that council staff should receive bonuses for approving development applications more quickly. “The problem is councils are elected. They often tell me, ‘Harry, you’re right, but if we approve this, we’ll lose votes,’” he explained. “I believe bureaucrats should have the authority to approve developments, and they should be incentivized with bonuses.”
Triguboff’s comments highlight the broader debate over immigration and housing in Australia. A Meriton spokesperson clarified that his statements were part of a wider discussion on the importance of migration in driving the nation’s growth and diversity. “Mr Triguboff has long respected Chinese migrants for their hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to education. He believes that a balanced immigration approach is key to ensuring Australia’s long-term success,” the spokesperson said.
The comments come as the nation grapples with a growing housing affordability crisis and ongoing debates over immigration policy.
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