Opinion: Don’t let rising nationalism stifle SA population growth
Political turbulence at the federal level, simmering tensions over immigration and rising nationalism should not distract South Australia from growing its population, argues the Committee for Adelaide’s Sam Dighton.
Debates about immigration levels, rising nationalism and political turbulence at the federal level should not derail South Australia’s economic growth ambitions.
At a time when national and global news cycles feel heavy, South Australia has real momentum, which we cannot afford to lose sight of.
Despite persistent inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, South Australia is outperforming on many levels. The Business Council of Australia has ranked our state as the best place in the country to do business for three consecutive years.
Unemployment remains historically low, business conditions are strong, and once-in-a-generation opportunities, including AUKUS, are moving from concept to reality.
Across Adelaide, investment is reshaping our city. Projects such as Eighty-Eight O’Connell, Festival Plaza Towers, Market Square and the Central Market Expansion, alongside major redevelopments at Southwark, Glenside and Forestville, are increasing density, vibrancy and confidence in the CBD and inner suburbs.
Innovation precincts at Lot Fourteen and Tonsley, BHP’s Copper SA strategy, the new Adelaide University, Adelaide Airport’s bustling commercial precincts, Thomas Food’s international expansion, and growth across space, defence, energy, mining, health, agriculture and advanced manufacturing are creating high-value jobs and renewed optimism.
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For the first time in decades, many young South Australians can see compelling career pathways at home, rather than interstate or overseas.
But local talent alone will not meet the scale of opportunity ahead. As highlighted in the Centre for Population’s 2025 Population Statement, South Australia faces a “low natural increase”, with deaths projected to outnumber births by the 2060s. Without population growth, our workforce will shrink just as demand peaks.
The Committee for Adelaide has long argued that population growth, underpinned by migration, is essential to meeting workforce needs, lifting productivity and sustaining economic momentum.
Without effective strategies to attract and retain people in their prime working years, growth will stall, skills shortages will deepen, and pressure on essential services will intensify, not because of growth but a lack thereof.
Adelaide needs a confident, forward-looking growth agenda focused on attracting and retaining skilled workers – to deliver the pipeline of major infrastructure projects, to fill the gaps of the workers that will be called upon for AUKUS, to build more housing, to service our schools and hospitals, and to continue to grow and diversify our economy.
We are supportive of the government’s advocacy efforts to maintain South Australia’s regional migration status, actively attract skilled workers, and retain and grow international student numbers.
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With population growth inevitably comes anxieties about housing, congestion and infrastructure. Recent Roy Morgan polling shows “managing immigration and population growth” is now a top concern for South Australians.
As a state, however, our focus should be more on the benefits growth will bring, rather than the temporary inconveniences or downsides.
Cities that thrive in the 21st century are not those that stand still, but those that grow with purpose. As the 2025 Benchmarking Adelaide Report shows, mid-sized cities that have embraced population growth and planned for it outperform those that resist change. They are more dynamic, more competitive and more liveable.
Cities such as Auckland and Austin demonstrate that well-managed growth attracts investment, raises incomes and strengthens liveability. They have a clear vision and plan for improved infrastructure and housing, and a strong social license that growth should benefit everyone.
They have vibrant neighbourhoods with enough customers to feel safe and welcoming at night, urban spaces integrated with nature and mixed-use precincts with atmosphere and street life to enable residents and businesses to co-exist, not compete.
Adelaide has all the ingredients to do the same: a compact city, world-class natural assets, strong education and health systems, and a culture that values community and diversity. Strategic population growth allows more people to share these advantages and ensures they are sustained for future generations.
South Australia cannot afford complacency, distraction, or to let the economic opportunities pass us by.
Growth brings opportunity, resilience and choice. We must back ourselves, plan boldly and embrace population growth so more people can call Adelaide home.
Sam Dighton, Chief Executive, Committee for Adelaide
The Committee for Adelaide is a non-partisan, independent and sector-agnostic think-tank, bringing together businesses, industry bodies, community, and government to help shape the future of Adelaide and South Australia.
