The Deputy Prime Minister has a clear message to would-be migrants amid a push to welcome hundreds of thousands more into Australia each year.

A group of economists say the country should welcome at least 190,000 migrants, while Treasurer Josh Frydenberg wants to bring in 235,000 migrants every year.

Businessman Dick Smith has warned Australia is heading towards a population of 100 million people by the end of the century.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce told Ben Fordham migrants have to be encouraged to live in the regions.

“We have to say ‘if you want to come to Australia you have to live in Tamworth’ … Sydney’s full.

“Sydney does not want more people but regional areas do.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

“Our housing, our health services and our transport are stretched,” Ben said.

“Our leaders see this as a money tree, but is this really in our best interests?

“It may satisfy economists but it won’t help those who are waiting years for surgery and it won’t assist anyone who can only dream of buying a house.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ben’s comments in full