Key facts
- One Nation proposes cutting temporary migration by over 750,000 people in three years.
- The plan targets international students and family members of skilled migrants.
- One Nation aims to return temporary visa numbers to 2017 levels, resulting in a net overseas migration of 130,000.
- Labor warns the cuts would harm construction, health care, aged care, and disability sectors.
- The Liberal party doubts the existence of modeling to support One Nation's proposed figure.
- One Nation would give 'illegal migrants' three months to leave voluntarily.
One Nation has unveiled a proposal to significantly reduce temporary migration in Australia, aiming to cut numbers by over 750,000 within three years. The plan, announced by leader Pauline Hanson, targets international students and family members of skilled migrants, with the goal of returning temporary visa numbers to 2017 levels and achieving a net overseas migration rate of 130,000.
Hanson stated the policy is intended to "reset" Australia's immigration system, alleviate pressure on housing and public services, and improve living standards for Australians. The proposal comes amid increasing political focus on migration ahead of the next federal election, with both the Labor and Coalition parties considering their own measures to curb arrivals.
However, the One Nation plan has faced immediate criticism. Labor has warned of severe negative consequences for critical industries such as construction, health care, aged care, and disability services. Similarly, Liberal deputy leader Jane Hume expressed skepticism about the figures, suggesting they lacked modeling and could negatively impact the economy, potentially leading to a recession. Health Minister Mark Butler echoed these concerns, stating the proposed cuts would "smash" industries and "devastate" sectors like health and aged care.