# Nepalese Australian warns rapid migration may strain institutions and shared identity

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/nepalese-australian-delivers-blunt-warning-on-abc-over-huge-migrant-numbers-it-stresses-everything/
- Published: 2026-10-27T21:56:55+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T22:12:15+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16241319/nepalese-australian-huge-migrant-numbers-warning-david-speers.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Shankar says rapid population growth can strain Australia’s shared identity.
- Net arrivals reached 494,540 in the year to January 2026.
- Parties propose different migration and visa reductions.

## Summary

Shankar, a Nepalese Australian, warned on ABC National Forum that rapid immigration could weaken Australia’s shared identity and leave newcomers without a clear cultural reference point. He argued that population growth can place pressure on institutions and communities, while stressing that migrants themselves are not to blame and that culture should evolve by building on its positive elements.

Net permanent and long-term arrivals reached 494,540 in the 12 months to January 2026, close to a record; the January net figure was 57,270, the highest for that month. The Albanese government has kept the 2026–27 permanent migration programme at 185,000 places. The Coalition has pledged to lower net overseas migration to 100,000 for two years, then raise it gradually, while One Nation has proposed cuts to temporary visas.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.