One Nation has released a proposal to reduce Australia’s immigration intake by 750,000 places over three years, with major changes aimed at international students and the families of migrants. The plan would introduce a period of “net-negative migration” before setting a longer-term ceiling of 130,000 for net overseas migration.
Under the proposal, international student places would fall from 590,000 to 350,000, while student visas would be capped at just over 100,000 a year, according to ABC News Australia. The party would also reduce the number of international graduates allowed to remain and work in Australia from 270,000 to 40,000.
Visas for the families of international students and skilled migrants would be cut to zero. Families of students admitted under a proposed “high-value” category could still apply, with priority given to applicants pursuing PhDs or studies in science, engineering and frontier technology. One Nation also proposed tougher rules for students in areas it considers oversupplied, including accounting, information technology and business.
Party leader Pauline Hanson said Australians had had enough of mass migration and argued that reducing arrivals would give people “breathing room.” The proposal would retain uncapped skilled migration driven by employer demand, with trades and other needed skills prioritised. Hanson’s party said migration decisions should be separated from education policy and that universities should compete on the quality of their education.
Labor frontbencher Murray Watt said the plan could “destroy regional economies” and probably drive Australia into recession, citing labour shortages in some industries. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the projected year-on-year migration figures were unclear and expressed concern about the effect on businesses.
Business groups also criticised broad cuts. The Australian Chamber of Commerce said wholesale reductions to skilled migration could damage the economy, the budget and Australia’s ability to provide services. One Nation Treasury spokesperson Barnaby Joyce said the policy would return the economy to 2017 settings, but he did not specify the level of negative migration expected during the first three years.