Tony Burke delays speech expected to reveal sweeping migration cuts
The ABC understands the cuts to migration numbers are contentious within Labor, but no reason for the delay is given.
Tony Burke has postponed a speech at the National Press Club where he was expected to announce significant changes to Australia's migration policies. The government spokesperson explained that the decision was made due to some details not being finalized in time. The speech was to focus on the migration system as a whole, with measures aimed at achieving a rapid and substantial reduction in net migration.
Potential changes include stricter family visa rules, a cap on backpacker numbers, and restrictions on asylum seekers' work and appeal rights. Internal deliberations on these proposals were reportedly contentious, though some sources downplayed the extent of disagreements, stating the remaining details were relatively minor. The government has faced criticism from One Nation and the Coalition since a post-pandemic surge in net migration, which surpassed half a million people in 2023.
The Albanese government had previously introduced measures to limit international student numbers. In preparation for the federal election, Burke's speech was seen as an effort to regain control over net migration figures, given the hard-to-manage nature of most temporary visa categories, which are driven by demand rather than formal limits.
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