Tony Burke warns proposed migration cuts will hit economy

• Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke warned that proposed migration cuts would create critical shortages in health, aged care, and construction.
• Coalition Opposition Leader Angus Taylor proposed cutting migration to 100,000 for two years, while One Nation called for an annual cap of 130,000.
• The Albanese government aims to reduce net migration to 245,000 this financial year while protecting skilled worker inflows for essential sectors.

Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Tony Burke warned that proposed opposition immigration cuts would create severe skilled labour shortages across regional hospitals, aged care facilities, and housing construction sites.

The Coalition proposed reducing net migration to 100,000 arrivals annually for two years, while One Nation called for a net arrival limit of 130,000 following a period of net negative migration.

"What we know is housing hasn’t been able to keep pace, but if you go too hard, you smash the economy," said Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Tony Burke.

Net overseas migration reached over 300,000 people last financial year, while the federal government set a target to bring net arrivals down to 245,000 this financial year.

Burke stated that cutting skilled worker visas under the proposed caps would harm regional health services and slow down residential building projects.

The federal government previously introduced measures to reduce international student numbers and tighten visa rules following record post-pandemic migration surges.

The debate over population growth and housing supply remains a central issue ahead of the upcoming federal election.