A controversial plan to link immigration figures with the number of homes being built ignores the role skilled migrants could play in building these properties, experts warn.
A parliamentary inquiry is investigating the value of skilled migration to Australia.
On Tuesday, the committee was told if the federal opposition wanted more houses, skilled migrants could build them - especially if their existing overseas qualifications were recognised.
Around 620,000, or half of all permanent migrants are working below their qualification level in Australia, including around 18,400 with existing building and construction related qualifications.
On average each skilled trade person entering the workforce results in an additional 2.4 houses being built each year, according to the Master Builders Association.
"Migration is itself a solution to the housing crisis," Chief of Advocacy and Public Affairs at migrant services organisation, Settlement Services International, Dane Moores told the inquiry.
