Key facts
- Liberal senator Andrew Bragg proposed reducing net overseas migration to below 180,000 annually and slashing the national construction code.
- Opposition leader Angus Taylor and shadow treasurer Tim Wilson publicly distanced themselves from Bragg's migration figures.
- Senator Andrew McLachlan publicly supported Bragg's speech, calling for open policy discussions within the Coalition.
- Senator Paul Scarr also praised Bragg's address, stating it reinforced core Liberal values.
- Bragg clarified remarks about accepting "substandard homes," stating he misheard the question and did not endorse substandard housing.
- Nationals leader Matt Canavan praised Bragg's "big ideas" but rejected proposed cuts to working holiday visas.
Liberal senator Andrew Bragg's recent speech proposing significant cuts to the national construction code and a reduction in net overseas migration has caused a split within the Coalition. While Bragg suggested lowering migration from approximately 300,000 to below 180,000 annually, senior figures like opposition leader Angus Taylor and shadow treasurer Tim Wilson quickly distanced themselves from the figure, labeling it as Bragg's "personal views" and stating party policy was not yet finalized.
However, Liberal senator Andrew McLachlan has publicly backed Bragg, urging colleagues to "follow his lead" and engage in open policy discussions. McLachlan described Bragg's address as a "masterclass in thought leadership" and an "admirable aspiration for Australia." Senator Paul Scarr also supported the speech, calling it "terrific" and aligned with core Liberal values.
Despite internal criticism and frustration from some MPs over a perceived lack of discipline, Bragg has maintained the importance of discussing "big ideas" and ambitious policy for the future. He clarified comments regarding accepting "substandard homes" under proposed construction code changes, stating he misheard the question and did not intend to agree to substandard housing. One Liberal MP anonymously suggested the internal overreaction was due to not fully reading the speech.
Nationals leader Matt Canavan praised Bragg's "big ideas" and energy but dismissed the suggestion of cutting working holiday visas.