One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called for Australia’s permanent migration intake to be cut to 130,000 people a year, arguing the country does not need more migrants working in low-skilled occupations such as ride-share driving, nail salons or dog walking.
Speaking to News24, Hanson said Australia should prioritise migrants with skills that address workforce shortages, including doctors, nurses, engineers and tradespeople.
“We don’t need any more Uber drivers, nail technicians, dog walkers,” Hanson said.
“Why bring in so many people that don’t fit the needs that we want in Australia?”
She argued Australia was struggling to cope with current migration levels, saying high population growth was placing increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure and essential services.
“At the moment, we are overwhelmed. We need to have a breather.”
The Federal Government’s 2026–27 permanent Migration Program remains set at 185,000 places, with around 132,240 places allocated to skilled migration, representing approximately 71 per cent of the intake. A further 52,460 places are reserved for family visas, while 300 places are allocated to special eligibility cases.
Despite the program’s emphasis on skilled migration, Hanson claimed Australia was still failing to attract enough workers into industries facing acute shortages.
She pointed to the construction sector, arguing too few migrants were entering building trades needed to help address the nation’s housing shortage. “Only 1,800 were in the construction industry,” Hanson claimed.
Hanson also criticised Australia’s international student settings, questioning why some overseas students are permitted to bring family members with them while studying.
“You’re here to study. If you don’t want to be away from your partner or family, do an online course,” she said.
“But no, they’re allowed to bring in their families. That’s a strain on our infrastructure.”
While advocating a lower permanent migration intake, Hanson said she would continue to support temporary migration streams such as backpackers and seasonal workers.
“We would still allow for backpackers, those workers coming to Australia, those ones that will be here for a short period of time.”
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