New visa conditions could require migrants to settle outside Sydney and Melbourne for five years, according to a soon-to-be released government population policy.
Population and Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge will confirm today that the conditions would apply to skilled migrants not tied to geographic areas by company sponsorship or family visa.
Mr Tudge believes too little infrastructure has been built in state capitals to cater for population growth, and that regional development will be key to settling migrants in smaller states.