The Coalition promises the biggest migration cut in Australian history, to 100,000 a year, and 650,000 fewer temporary visa holders
Angus Taylor released the Coalition's migration policy on Tuesday. According to the Herald, the AFR and the Guardian, net overseas migration would be cut to 100,000 a year, rising to about 160,000 by year four; outlets differ on whether the 100,000 level applies for one year or two. The Guardian reports that the stock of temporary visa holders would fall by about 650,000 over four years. Other reported measures are abolishing temporary graduate visas, restricting international students, requiring most visa applications to be lodged offshore and largely eliminating bridging visas. The permanent skilled program would stay capped at 185,000. Net overseas migration was 292,100 in the year to March. Labor's target is 225,000, and One Nation proposes 130,000 a year and 750,000 fewer temporary visas over three years. Independent MP Monique Ryan said the race to the bottom on immigration was on between the Liberals and One Nation. Labor and One Nation attacked the plan.
Migration touches housing, wages, universities and the budget, and both major parties now accept that lower is the direction. The dispute is about how low and how fast, and about whether the economy can absorb the change without harm. A target this low would cut demand for rentals and also supply for farms, aged care and campuses.
If you rent near a university, employ temporary workers or work in aged care, hospitality or farming, this will shape your next few years. If you are on a temporary visa, nothing changes today: this is an Opposition promise, not law.
Arrivals have run well ahead of homes and services. A hard number, with an end to visa hopping and open-ended bridging visas, restores control and voter trust.
The cuts are deep, they chase One Nation's agenda rather than make a case, and they could hurt universities, farms and care services that depend on migrants. Several commentators say the economics do not add up.
Two things to look for in the detail: the length of time the 100,000 figure applies, and how students already enrolled are treated. The first sets the economic effect. The second tells you whether the plan is an announcement or a policy.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 2 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 6, 2026