The fight over immigration could decide the next election. Labor has to take the gloves off | Tom McIlroy
News Source
β’Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:00:24 GMT
π° What Happened
In an opinion piece, Tom McIlroy argues Labor must fight harder on immigration. He says Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's careful speech was not enough. Burke spoke at the National Press Club about his plan to cut net overseas migration.
New data showed arrivals hit 292,000 in the year to March. That is well above the budget forecast of 245,000. McIlroy says Labor needs a brawler's approach. He wants the government to attack One Nation's "threadbare plan" to slash overseas arrivals rather than just manage the numbers.
π The Backstory
Burke's speech was delayed by internal party politics. It was announced with only 24 hours notice. Its title was "The work of managing the migration program: Who arrives, who stays, who leaves".
One Nation has surged in the polls and increasingly sets the terms of debate in federal parliament. Burke's plan, in the works since early this year, aims to hit the 225,000 forecast over two years. The column says that alone will not win back the political argument from Pauline Hanson.
π― Why It Matters
Immigration affects jobs, housing and the cost of living. How leaders talk about it also shapes how migrants and their families feel welcome.
In an opinion piece, Tom McIlroy argues Labor must fight harder on immigration. He says Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's careful speech was not enough. Burke spoke at the National Press Club about his plan to cut net overseas migration.
New data showed arrivals hit 292,000 in the year to March. That is well above the budget forecast of 245,000. McIlroy says Labor needs a brawler's approach. He wants the government to attack One Nation's "threadbare plan" to slash overseas arrivals rather than just manage the numbers.
Burke's speech was delayed by internal party politics. It was announced with only 24 hours notice. Its title was "The work of managing the migration program: Who arrives, who stays, who leaves".
One Nation has surged in the polls and increasingly sets the terms of debate in federal parliament. Burke's plan, in the works since early this year, aims to hit the 225,000 forecast over two years. The column says that alone will not win back the political argument from Pauline Hanson.
Immigration affects jobs, housing and the cost of living. How leaders talk about it also shapes how migrants and their families feel welcome.