Coalition MPs concede immigration plan not fully costed by PBO

Taylor's office indicated plans to have the policy fully costed before the next federal election, but acknowledged that internal analysis and existing costings were used during the design phase. Coalition sources confirmed to Guardian Australia that the PBO had not conducted a comprehensive analysis of the new policy prior to its release.

While PBO officials are restricted from discussing specific costings for parliamentarians, they can clarify media reports if they misrepresent their work. The PBO declined to comment on Wednesday. Taylor, however, reiterated his confidence in the plan's budget neutrality, stating that the Coalition had "done exactly what the government does" and accused Labor of not releasing its own modeling.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles criticized the Coalition's proposal, suggesting it was an attempt to appeal to anti-migration sentiment and would negatively impact sectors such as agriculture, aged care, and defense. He argued that while Labor also seeks to manage migration numbers, their approach prioritizes maintaining the economy and vital industries.

Andrew McKellar, chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, rejected the planned cuts, arguing that Australia's issues stem from housing supply rather than immigration levels. He stated that both the Coalition and the government, along with One Nation, are incorrectly focusing on net overseas migration figures as the primary problem.