Immigration and population levels in NSW to be assessed by 'expert panel'

Gladys Berejiklian looking into the distance

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has taken another step in her bid to drive down immigration rates into the state, appointing an "expert panel" to assess the current rate of population growth.

Key points:

The panel will report to the Premier within two months
It will asses population growth rates, infrastructure and advise the Premier on immigration policy
Today's announcement comes after the Premier said NSW should slash its overseas migrant intake by up to 50 per cent

Highlighting what she said was the pressure immigration was putting on the infrastructure of "the largest and most successful state in Australia", Ms Berejiklian this morning said it was time to "take stock and get ahead".

"NSW's economic success is attracting a far greater share of total immigrant numbers than it has in the past," she said.

"We are in the midst of an unprecedented infrastructure boom in NSW.

"But it is clear that despite a record infrastructure pipeline, Sydney and NSW are still playing catch-up."

Immigration has become a prominent issue for Ms Berejiklian, with the Premier raising it on multiple occasions as congestion, housing affordability and urban development look set to become hot topics ahead of next year's state election.

Traffic build up in Sydney after an accident this morning.

Earlier this month she suggested NSW should slash its overseas migrant intake by up to 50 per cent, returning it to Howard-era immigration levels.

She renewed that call this morning, and said the review, provided by the panel, would allow NSW to take a "strategic approach" to planning around population.

Ms Berejiklian also pressured Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the population issue and wrote to him requesting a COAG meeting on the issue next year.

The "expert panel" will asses the current rate of population growth and infrastructure pipeline in NSW, the time needed for infrastructure to "catch up" with population growth rates and asses NSW's role at upcoming discussions with the Federal Government on the issue.

The panel will include Infrastructure NSW chief executive Jim Betts, University of Western Sydney chancellor Peter Shergold and NSW Department of Planning and Environment Secretary Carolyn McNally.

It is expected to report to the Premier within two months.

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