Key facts
- One Nation MP David Farley stated his party's net migration target is similar to Labor's when rural workforce needs are included.
- Farley argued skilled workers and backpackers are critical for Australian industries and should be considered separately from 'true' net overseas migration (Nom).
- He suggested accommodating at least 100,000 additional migrant workers beyond the 130,000 Nom target.
- Farley's electorate relies heavily on migrant workers for aged care and food processing.
One Nation MP David Farley has stated that his party's net migration target is not substantially different from that of the Labor government when the needs of the rural workforce are taken into account. Farley argued that skilled workers and backpackers are essential for critical Australian industries, such as agriculture and aged care, and suggested they should be considered separately from what he termed 'true' net overseas migration (Nom).
Appearing on ABC's Insiders, Farley proposed that a minimum of 100,000 additional migrant workers should be accommodated beyond One Nation's stated Nom target of 130,000. This figure would include approximately 40,000 workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (Palm) scheme and 70,000 skilled workers, including nurses for the aged care sector. He emphasized that the focus should be on the skills needed and where migrants are required, particularly in productive roles outside of major urban centers.
The calculation of Net Overseas Migration (Nom) typically measures the difference between people entering and leaving the country, excluding short-term visitors. It differs from permanent migration, which refers to longer-term visas. The Nom figure surged post-pandemic but has been returning to more typical levels. The government forecasts Nom to drop to 245,000 in 2026-27 and 225,000 in 2027-28, while the Coalition has indicated a target below 200,000.
Farley's comments reflect a potential softening or clarification of One Nation's stance on migration, which has previously advocated for a hard visa cap of 130,000 annually, a policy that could result in a negative Nom. His electorate, Farrer, is heavily reliant on migrant labor for its agricultural processing units and aged care facilities. His remarks were later addressed by Pauline Hanson, who stated she had counselled him on the comments, and Barnaby Joyce, who described them as a campaign slip-up.
In addition to migration policy, Farley also mentioned receiving reassurance from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding a planned bailout for rice mills in his electorate. He was also questioned about Senator Hanson's appeal to the high court regarding a finding of racial discrimination.