'Basic facts': One Nation slammed for migration muddle

One Nation, an anti-immigration party, is facing criticism over its inconsistent migration figures. The party has been targeting a net overseas migration rate of 130,000 people annually, but different members have cited varying numbers. Federal MP David Farley suggested the figure could exceed 130,000, potentially reaching 225,000, which is lower than Labor's proposed 2025 target of 301,000.

However, Barnaby Joyce, another One Nation MP, clarified that the 130,000 net figure remains, but he was unclear about the proportion of permanent migrants within this number. Pacific workers, brought under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, would mostly be added to this 130,000 net figure. Despite this, Pacific Minister Pat Conroy stated that half of the PALM cohort typically counts towards net migration.

One Nation's inconsistent figures have been criticized, as their claims deviate significantly from one another. Meanwhile, Labor was set to unveil its revised migration policy, but the speech was cancelled due to internal party disagreements. Opposition immigration spokesman Jonathon Duniam questioned One Nation's ability to achieve their 130,000 target, highlighting uncertainties regarding the makeup of these numbers and their economic impact.