World Immigration News

(The Age)More at stake as government tries to wrest back immigration conversation

Release Date
2026-09-19
Media
The Age
Summary
Australia’s long period of economic growth has been supported significantly by migrants working across key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, mining, construction and education. However, rising living costs, housing shortages and infrastructure pressures have fuelled public concern about immigration, allowing parties such as One Nation to push for substantial reductions.

The Albanese government has announced reforms aimed at reducing net overseas migration to 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 by 2027–28. Measures include restricting “visa-hopping,” limiting family accompaniment for international students, tightening visitor visa rules and cracking down on rogue migration agents. The reforms seek to restore integrity to a system that now includes around three million temporary migrants.

The article argues, however, that cutting migration alone will not solve problems such as inflation or housing and infrastructure shortages. Excessive reductions could instead worsen labour shortages in agriculture, healthcare, construction and hospitality. International education, worth about A$54 billion annually, could also suffer if tougher visa rules make Australia less attractive to overseas students.

Ultimately, the article calls for migration policy based on economic realities rather than political pressure. Australia needs firm enforcement and clear immigration rules while maintaining sustainable pathways for skilled migrants needed by the economy.
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Australia

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