Key facts
- Major business groups have urged the Australian government to suspend immigration changes and consult further with industry.
- Some Labor MPs are anxious to avoid significant alterations to family and humanitarian visa categories.
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke delayed an anticipated speech on migration policy.
- Potential changes reportedly include tougher family visa rules, capping backpacker numbers, or restrictions on asylum seekers.
- The government has cited a target of 185,000 permanent migration places per year.
Major business groups and some Labor MPs are urging the Australian government to proceed with caution on proposed immigration changes, with concerns raised about potential impacts on skilled worker pathways and the broader economy.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has delayed an anticipated speech on migration policy, leading to speculation about potential tweaks to family and humanitarian visa categories. Some Labor MPs have voiced opposition to what they term "performative reductions" in migration numbers, particularly in response to anti-immigration rhetoric from parties like One Nation. However, other government sources suggest the changes will be more "surgical" adjustments rather than sweeping overhauls, focusing on enforcement and minor pruning of existing programs.
The government has previously cited a target of 185,000 permanent migration places annually, comprising approximately 132,000 skilled migration spots and 52,000 partner and family visas. Business groups, including the Minerals Council of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have expressed concerns that cuts to skilled migration or working holiday visas could exacerbate existing skills shortages and impede economic growth.
Master Builders Australia has called for prioritizing tradespeople to address the construction boom, particularly for data centers. Meanwhile, some Labor MPs have warned against reducing partner visas or the humanitarian intake, emphasizing the need for steady migration and pushing back against anti-immigration sentiment. There is also reported confusion among some MPs outside the cabinet regarding the specifics of the proposed changes.