More politicians need to level with voters about the trade-offs of lower migration: an ageing population, lower economic growth and the possibility of skill shortages.

While the drop will please Labor, which has been under siege from opponents over immigration, one expert warns further policy tightening is required.

SYDNEY: Australia’s immigration levels fell last year, official data showed on Thursday, as its center-left government seeks to combat an ascendent far-right riding a wave of…