That extra 2.2 million people have been an economic powerhouse,requiring homes,cars,food and every day goods and services while also contributing fresh skills to the jobs market.

But it has come at a price,particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. Be it via higher house prices or over-crowded schools,all levels of government have struggled to keep up with the demands of a growing population while reaping the economic benefits of that population.

The Morrison government made much of its decision in last year's budget to cap permanent migration at 160,000 for four consecutive years as dealing with the congestion pressures on our big cities.

That cap didn't include the hundreds of thousands of temporary migrants – be it students or workers – who help run the economy and add to demand.

But with the borders shut,international students stuck in their home countries and immigration all-but impossible,the issues around migration and Australia's dependence on it cannot be ignored.