Ten groups back a migration summit in 2026

A coalition of 10 business and civil society organisations has urged the federal government to convene a National Migration Summit in 2026.

The 2026 summit would move debate beyond short-term politics, strengthen public confidence and build a long-term plan for Australia’s migration system.

The proposed 2026 forum would bring together governments, business, unions, community and settlement organisations, researchers, economists and migration experts.

The alliance wants the 2026 summit to balance economic opportunity, workforce needs, regional development, social cohesion and community confidence.

It also wants the forum to address housing affordability, infrastructure and cost-of-living pressures through evidence and coordinated policy, rather than debates focused only on migration numbers.

For decades, Australian governments of different political persuasions have treated well-managed migration as a national strength linked to economic prosperity and multicultural success.

The endorsement list includes ACOSS, COSBOA, FECCA, the Migration Institute of Australia, the Minerals Council of Australia, the Refugee Council of Australia, the Regional Australia Institute, the Settlement Council of Australia, Settlement Services International and the Tech Council of Australia.

ACOSS and COSBOA support summit

Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service, backed the proposal and tied it to support for newly arrived people.

Goldie said: “Our diverse, multicultural society is one of our greatest strengths. We need to strengthen support for people newly arrived, so that everyone gets a great start to live with dignity and safety in this country. A National Migration Summit would progress this vision.”

Meanwhile, COSBOA chief executive Skye Cappuccio linked the 2026 proposal to labour shortages facing small business, especially in regional and rural Australia.

Cappuccio argued that skilled migration can determine whether a local cafe, a regional tradie or a rural health clinic stays open or turns work away.

She also said migration policy works best when it is grounded in evidence, shaped by data and informed by the experience of businesses and communities.

The statement did not include a date or location for any 2026 summit.