CANBERRA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A majority of Australians think the country's migrant intake is too high but oppose cutting international student numbers, a survey has found.

The survey of more than 5,000 people, which was undertaken by researchers from the Australian National University (ANU), found that 52.9 percent of Australians believe immigration to the country is too high.

Just over one-third of respondents said that Australia's current migrant intake is "about right" and 4.5 percent said the country should accept more immigrants, with 7.7 percent unsure.

The same survey found that 57.6 percent of respondents said that there should either be no change or an increase in Australia's international student intake.

Migration is expected to be a major policy issue in Australia's general election, which must be held by May.

The ANU survey found that respondents' attitudes on migration changed when given new information.

People who were told a positive narrative about how migrants can solve Australia's housing crisis were 4.5 percent more likely to support migration overall, Leng said.

Those who were told negative messages about high migration corresponding with higher housing prices were more likely to say migration to Australia is too high. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)