Migration has become a major political talking point – how do parties’ policies compare?
News Source
•Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:00:55 GMT
📰 What Happened
An explainer compares the immigration plans of Labor, the Coalition and One Nation. All three want to cut net overseas migration. Labor targets 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 in 2027-28. The Coalition wants 100,000 in its first two years from 2028-29, rising later. One Nation wants negative net migration for three years.
🔍 The Backstory
The next federal election could be up to two years away. In September, home affairs minister Tony Burke said ministers could prioritise visa applicants with in-demand skills. These include healthcare, construction, education and law enforcement. Less critical visa applications are being slowed down. Waits for working holiday visas will stretch to three months. Experts say some party targets may not be realistic or helpful.
🎯 Why It Matters
These numbers decide how many workers, students and families can come to Australia. That shapes rents, jobs and the economy people feel every day.
An explainer compares the immigration plans of Labor, the Coalition and One Nation. All three want to cut net overseas migration. Labor targets 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 in 2027-28. The Coalition wants 100,000 in its first two years from 2028-29, rising later. One Nation wants negative net migration for three years.
The next federal election could be up to two years away. In September, home affairs minister Tony Burke said ministers could prioritise visa applicants with in-demand skills. These include healthcare, construction, education and law enforcement. Less critical visa applications are being slowed down. Waits for working holiday visas will stretch to three months. Experts say some party targets may not be realistic or helpful.
These numbers decide how many workers, students and families can come to Australia. That shapes rents, jobs and the economy people feel every day.