A new report from researchers at the Australian National University recommends that Australia adopt explicit targets for its temporary migrant population, which has more than doubled as a share of total residents over the past 15 years — from 2.7% in 2010 to over 6% today. Authors Alan Gamlen and emeritus professor Peter McDonald argue that an excessive focus on net overseas migration figures has obscured the more pressing issue of "temporariness" — the large and growing stock of non-permanent residents placing strain on housing and public services. The report points to Canada's 2024 decision to cap temporary arrivals and cut their share from 7.6% to 5% of the population as a cautionary lesson, warning that Australia should pursue a similar goal but avoid drastic cuts that risk economic harm.