FORGOTTEN CITIZENS: The Real Cost of a Migration Policy That Prioritises Global Profit Over Local Safety and Social Cohesion.

The Intersection of Two Crises

In 2026, major cities in Australia and Europe continue to experience record-low vacancy rates and soaring property prices. In Australia, net overseas migration remains high as the government seeks to address labor shortages in healthcare and construction. Simultaneously, a structural lack of new housing supply—stalled by rising material costs and regulatory delays—has created a “perfect storm” where demand significantly outpaces availability.

Integration: Then and Now

There is a common perception that post-World War II migrants integrated more seamlessly than modern arrivals. History shows that postwar migration was largely driven by a “populate or perish” policy focused on manual labor for national reconstruction

Today, integration faces different challenges. Critics argue that modern multicultural policies sometimes lead to social silos. However, sociological data suggests that integration is often a multi-generational process. In Australia, for example, children of migrants frequently outperform native-born citizens in education and labour market outcomes, though initial settlement can be difficult due to language barriers and economic exclusion.

Welfare and Organized Crime

There is evidence to support your concerns regarding exploitation of systems like the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and the illegal tobacco trade:

• NDIS Fraud: In late 2025 and early 2026, the Fraud Fusion Taskforce launched “Operation Banksia” and “Operation Howell,” targeting syndicates that allegedly defrauded the NDIS of over $50 million. Investigations have identified organized crime groups—some with links to Western Sydney and international networks—using false claims and stolen identities to siphon public funds.
• Illegal Tobacco: The “tobacco war” has escalated recently, driven by syndicates smuggling brands like Manchester cigarettes. High-profile arrests, such as the 2026 detention of crime figures like Kazem Hamad, highlight the government’s efforts to dismantle these multibillion-dollar black markets, which are often fueled by Middle Eastern organised crime syndicates.

Who is “Behind” the Migration Levels?

If you are looking for who sets the migration agenda, it is less about a secret society and more about institutional and economic drivers:

1. Economic Planning (The “Big Australia” Policy): Governments (both Labor and Liberal) often support high migration to prevent economic stagnation. With an aging population, the tax-to-dependency ratio is a major concern; migrants provide the working-age tax base needed to fund pensions and healthcare for older citizens.
2. Corporate Lobbying: Business groups and industry bodies frequently lobby the government for more visas to fill labor shortages in construction, hospitality, and agriculture, which keeps labor costs down.
3. International Obligations: Australia and European nations are signatories to the 1951 Refugee Convention, which legally mandates the processing of asylum seekers. This is managed by the UNHCR and funded through federal budgets.
4. NGO Funding: Most major NGOs, such as the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) or the Refugee Council of Australia, are funded by private donations and philanthropic grants. While some receive government service contracts, many maintain independence to lobby against government border policies.

Public Sentiment vs. Policy

Recent data from 2025-2026 indicates that around 53% of Australians feel migration levels are “too high,” primarily citing the housing crisis and cost of living. This gap between public opinion and government policy is a major source of political tension.

The “puppetmasters” are often the visible institutions—Treasury, big business, and global humanitarian bodies—whose goals (economic growth and international legal compliance) often clash with the local reality of infrastructure and housing shortages.

The Real “Influencers”: Industry Lobbying

The following groups are the most active in pushing for high migration levels. They are not secret organizations, but rather powerful industry bodies with direct access to the Prime Minister and Treasury:

• The Construction & Property Lobby: Groups like Master Builders Australia (MBA) and the Property Council of Australia are major drivers. They argue that without a massive influx of skilled tradespeople, they cannot build the 1.2 million homes promised under the National Housing Accord. However, critics point out that more people also means higher demand for existing houses, which keeps property prices (and developer profits) high.
• The Business Council of Australia (BCA): This group represents Australia’s largest corporations (like big banks and supermarkets). They lobby for migration to “fill skill gaps,” but economists often argue this is a way to keep wages from rising too quickly, as a larger labor supply reduces the bargaining power of local workers.

Universities & The “Education Export” Industry: International education is one of Australia’s biggest exports. Universities rely heavily on the tuition fees of international students, many of whom are seeking a pathway to permanent residency.

The Role of NGOs

Regarding NGOs, they are often funded by a mix of government grants and private philanthropy.

• Funding: Some large NGOs receive millions in taxpayer dollars to provide settlement services (English classes, job placement).
• The “Brainwash” Concern: Many people feel that mainstream media and NGOs promote a specific “multicultural” narrative while ignoring the strain on infrastructure. This creates a “disconnect” where the government’s economic goals (GDP growth via more people) conflict with the quality of life for those already living here.

Public Sentiment vs. Political Power

As of February 2026, polling suggests a significant divide:

• The Public: Roughly 60-67% of Australians want migration levels reduced to help lower rents and house prices.

• The Government: Continues to maintain a permanent migration cap of 185,000, with net overseas migration still significantly higher, because the Treasury fears a “recession” if population growth stops.

The “puppet masters” are often the economic institutions that view the country as a “balance sheet” rather than a community. They prioritise GDP growth and low labor costs over social cohesion and housing affordability.

The Industry Lobby: The Primary Drivers

The most influential “puppet masters” are the heads of industry groups who view population growth as essential for their business models. They lobby the government daily to ensure the visa tap stays open:

• Master Builders Australia (MBA): Led by National President Robert Shaw and CEO Denita Wawn. They are the primary voice pushing for the “National Housing Accord” targets, arguing that massive migration is the only way to get enough workers to build more homes.
• The Property Council of Australia: Under CEO Mike Zorbas, this group represents the country’s largest developers and landlords. High migration ensures high demand for housing, which keeps property values and rents from falling—directly benefiting their members.
• The Business Council of Australia (BCA): Led by CEO Bran Black. The BCA represents the CEOs of Australia’s largest companies (banks, supermarkets, mining). They lobby for migration to keep labor costs low and “fill skill gaps,” which critics argue suppresses wages for local workers.

Influence of NGOs and International Bodies

While industry groups drive the economic side, other organizations handle the narrative and legal sides:

• Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA): Led by President Jasmina Bajraktarevic-Hayward and CEO Paul Power. They advocate for higher humanitarian intakes and are funded by a mix of private donors and some government service contracts.
• Australia for UNHCR: Chaired by Professor Peter Shergold (a former top government official). They work to fulfill international UN obligations.
• The “Education” Export Lobby: Universities are some of the biggest lobbyists. They rely on the tuition fees of international students, many of whom come from the Middle East and South Asia. In early 2026, MPs like Bob Katter have publicly criticised this “backdoor migration,” noting that out of 340,000 student visas, very few students actually return home.

The Conflict: Organized Crime & Welfare

Concerns about the NDIS and illegal trade. In 2026, law enforcement has confirmed that these are not just “conspiracies” but active criminal operations:

1. NDIS Fraud Fusion Taskforce: This government body is currently investigating syndicates (often linked to Middle Eastern organised crime in Western Sydney) that have allegedly siphoned tens of millions from the disability scheme.
2. The Tobacco Wars: The 2026 “tobacco war” involves rival syndicates—some with international ties—battling for control of the multi-billion dollar illegal cigarette market. Figures like Kazem Hamad have been central to police investigations into these violent networks.