Key facts
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke argued against drastic cuts to net overseas migration, stating it would harm Australian services and the economy.
- Burke endorsed a targeted approach to immigration based on Australia's economic needs.
- The Business Council of Australia supported the government's efforts to restore integrity to the migration system and address skills shortages.
- Labor's forecast for net overseas migration is 225,000 by 2027-28.
- One Nation proposes lowering net overseas migration to 130,000 annually, while the Coalition suggests between 150,000 and 170,000.
- Approximately two-thirds of plasterers in Sydney and Melbourne were born overseas.
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has defended the government's migration policy, rejecting calls for drastic cuts and emphasizing the need for targeted immigration to meet economic needs. Speaking at the National Press Club on Thursday, Burke argued that populist promises to slash net overseas migration would "trash Australian services and trash the Australian economy."
Employer groups, including the Business Council of Australia, welcomed the government's focus on restoring integrity to the migration system and addressing skills shortages. Bran Black, chief executive of the Business Council, stated that the starting point for migration policy should be the economy's genuine needs, not a number to cut to, highlighting that nearly one in three occupations are currently short of workers.
Burke acknowledged the public's growing discontent with the migration system following a post-pandemic surge in arrivals, but cautioned against spurious claims of "mass migration." He noted that approximately two-thirds of plasterers in Sydney and Melbourne were born overseas, illustrating the reliance on foreign workers for essential services like housing construction.
While One Nation advocates for lowering net overseas migration to 130,000 annually and the Coalition suggests a range of 150,000 to 170,000, Labor's forecast remains at 225,000 by 2027-28. Burke also pointed out that restricting family members from accompanying skilled workers would not increase visa availability for workers but would likely deter skilled professionals like doctors and nurses, half of whom arrive with family members.