Media release: 11th June 2026
- Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) is calling on the Federal Government to substantially expand and promote assisted voluntary return for people living in Australia after their visas have expired.
- The Department of Home Affairs estimated that 77,700 unlawful non-citizens were living in Australia as of 30 June 2025, excluding people already in held or community detention.
- Only 467 people departed through the government’s Return and Reintegration Assistance Program during 2024–25.
- SPA argues that the disparity raises serious questions about whether Australia is doing enough to help people resolve their immigration status before they become homeless, vulnerable to exploitation or entrenched in an unlawful existence.
This media release is in response to issues represented in the following article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-10/international-students-arranged-marriage-women-homeless-crisis/106731596
SPA experts are available for further comment:
Peter Strachan – SPA National President
Contact: [email protected] | 0412 400 952
Available for comment after 06:30am AWST
A short video of Peter Strachan may be viewed HERE
Quotes attributable to Mr Strachan:
“The consequences of visa overstaying should not be ignored merely because resolving the problem is difficult.”
“People whose visas have expired cannot be permitted to remain in Australia indefinitely, but neither should they be abandoned to homelessness, exploitation and fear.”
“A compassionate immigration system must have firm and credible boundaries. It should also provide a realistic and dignified way for people to comply with those boundaries.”
“The Australian Government already operates the Return and Reintegration Assistance Program, which can provide eligible non-citizens with assistance including airfares, travel documents, temporary accommodation, modest travel allowances, reception assistance and support to rebuild their lives after returning home.”
“SPA is calling for the program to be substantially expanded, more actively promoted and made easier to access.”
Michael Bayliss - SPA Spokesperson and Communications Manager
Contact: [email protected] | 0423 701 611
Available for comment from Saturday 13th June, from 7am AWST.
A short video of Michael may be viewed HERE.
Quotes Attributable to Mr Bayliss:
“It is easier to have a compassionate immigration system when the intake is lower and manageable. At the current pace of high immigration, too many people fall through the cracks and do not receive the support they need.”
“Many overstayers may feel trapped by debt, family expectations, shame or fear about returning home.”
“Some migrants have borrowed heavily or placed their families under enormous financial strain to come to Australia.”
“When their plans collapse, returning home may feel like a public admission of failure. That emotional reality does not create a right to remain permanently, but it should influence how Australia helps people leave.”
“The government should determine whether a modest investment in voluntary return can prevent much larger enforcement and welfare costs later.”
“Turning a blind eye is not compassion. It leaves vulnerable people open to exploitation, weakens confidence in the visa system and places community organisations in the position of managing a problem that government has failed to resolve. Nor is it fair to the millions of migrants who respect their visa conditions and leave Australia when their lawful stay comes to an end.”
“A sensible policy would combine clear immigration boundaries with a humane, affordable and dignified pathway home.”
About us:
Sustainable Population Australia advocates for an ecologically sustainable population policy that protects Australia’s environment, quality of life and social cohesion. SPA opposes discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity or cultural background. Its concern is the scale and consequences of population growth, not the identity of migrants.
