For the first time in history the majority of Australians believe there are too many immigrants entering the country, according to social research figures.
Nearly 55 per cent out of 1200 people thought the number of migrants coming to Australia was ‘too high’, in data collected by Social Research Centre in Melbourne.
Results from surveys carried out between March 5 and 25 revealed not everyone was happy with economic and social implications migrants were having on the country.
Research has revealed Australians believe there are too many immigrants entering the country (Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton pictured)
They showed points for dissatisfaction were up 14 points since last year and a staggering 17 points since 2014.
Figures also revealed the lowest number of people in more than three years thought the current immigration rate was ‘about right’.
About 10 per cent of people said it was ‘too low’, which was about the same amount as it was in 2014 and slightly down from about 18 per cent last year.
Immigration had not met the planned amount of 190,000 for the current financial year, with numbers still hanging significantly down.
Nearly 55 per cent out of 1200 people thought the number of migrants coming to Australia was ‘too high’ (stock photo)
Debate was recently sparked by New South Wales Labor leader Luke Foley who controversially highlighted a ‘white flight’ trend bought about by migrant families.
He was referring to low-income migrants forcing Anglo families out of affordable housing areas in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton argued Labor was no longer an advocate for ‘middle Australia’ after it rejected a motion proposed by Conservatives senator Cory Bernardi.
‘They voted to reject the notion that Australia’s immigration program should operate in the interests of all Australians,’ Mr Dutton told The Australian.
Peter Dutton argued Labor was no longer an advocate for ‘middle Australia’ after it rejected a motion proposed by Conservatives senator Cory Bernardi (pictured)
‘They are captured by the radical left of their party.’
The motion called on the government to review migrant intake levels and to make sure it had no detrimental impacts on the economic, social or security interests of locals.
A separate Lowy Institute poll also found Australians to have the lowest level of trust in the United States ever recorded, with a 28 point fall since 2011 marked by a narrow majority of 55 per cent saying they trust the country to ‘act responsibly’.
Nearly three quarters of Australians think the government has allowed too much investment from China, up from just 56 per cent in 2014.
Debate was recently sparked by New South Wales Labor leader Luke Foley (pictured) who controversially highlighted a ‘white flight’ trend bought about by migrant families