The Albanese Government is set to retain its net overseas migration target of around 225,000 people a year, despite growing political pressure for a significant reduction in migration levels.
Immigration Minister Tony Burke is expected to outline Labor’s revised approach to migration in a major speech within the next fortnight, after postponing a planned National Press Club address last week.
As per News24, government sources have indicated that the focus will be on reshaping the migration system rather than reducing the headline number, with greater emphasis on ensuring migration levels are aligned with Australia’s capacity to provide housing, infrastructure and essential services.
It is reported that the 2026 Federal Budget forecast net overseas migration to rise by an additional 20,000 people in 2026–27 before moderating to about 225,000 a year from 2027 to 2030.
The policy comes amid increasing pressure from the Coalition and One Nation, both of which have made migration a central political issue.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called for annual migration to be capped at 130,000 places, significantly below Labor’s target. The party has also advocated tighter controls on who can enter Australia and tougher measures against people who overstay their visas.
Labor is instead expected to place greater emphasis on the composition and management of migration, particularly skilled migration.
Sources have indicated to News24 that the proposed changes could include adjustments to family visa settings and a stronger focus on skilled workers in areas such as construction, policing and other occupations facing workforce shortages.
The Government has already altered some visa-processing priorities, giving greater priority to onshore applicants working in areas including law enforcement and defence.
As per report, Burke has also rejected claims that the Government deliberately delayed partner visa applications to suppress migration numbers.
A substantial backlog of partner visa applications has raised concerns about processing times, with Burke previously acknowledging that some applicants had experienced lengthy delays.
He has argued that departmental resources need to be directed towards skills Australia urgently requires.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended Labor’s record, arguing that migration has already moderated substantially from the unusually high levels recorded following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent polling cited by News24 found 46 per cent of Australians believed multiculturalism had been beneficial but was becoming a problem for social cohesion, while 37 per cent said it had served Australia well and 10 per cent said it had not.
Burke’s forthcoming speech is expected to provide a clearer picture of how Labor intends to balance continued migration with growing public concern about housing, infrastructure, workforce needs and social cohesion.
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