Australian entrepreneur and philanthropist Dick Smith has issued a stark warning to the nation, calling for an immediate and drastic reduction in immigration to prevent a future of economic hardship and diminished living standards for younger Australians.
The iconic businessman, in a bold new political campaign, argues that the country's current record-high immigration intake is a 'ponzi scheme' that benefits the wealthy at the expense of ordinary citizens. He paints a grim picture of a future Australia where essentials become scarce and rationing is commonplace if population growth continues unchecked.
The Core of the Controversial Proposal
Smith's campaign is built on a clear and contentious proposal: to cut the annual permanent migration intake from its current level to just 70,000 people. This figure, he asserts, was the historical average that once contributed to a high quality of life in Australia.
He directly challenges the common argument that immigration is essential to fix worker shortages, labelling it a 'big con.' Instead, Smith proposes that automation and technological innovation are the real solutions to productivity gaps, not a constantly expanding population.
A Warning to the Younger Generation
The campaign is specifically targeted at Australians under 40, whom Smith believes will bear the brunt of the consequences. He warns them that they face a future where they will be 'rationed everything'—from water and energy to space on roads and in hospitals.
'Your living standards are going to go down dramatically,' Smith states bluntly in his campaign material, suggesting that the promise of perpetual growth is a lie that will ultimately lead to a lower quality of life.
Political Reactions and the Road Ahead
The proposal has ignited fierce debate. While some applaud Smith for addressing a taboo subject in Australian politics, critics accuse him of alarmism and oversimplifying complex economic issues.
Despite the controversy, Dick Smith is pushing forward. His campaign includes a dedicated website and a promised documentary, aiming to make population a central issue in the next federal election and force a parliamentary vote on his proposed immigration cap.
