A report states that Australia’s permanent migration figures will stay at 185,000 for the 2025-26 financial year. Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke announced this during nationwide protests where tens of thousands called for lower migration to reduce pressure on housing and public services.
The article explains that, unlike net overseas migration—which includes visitors staying for more than a year—permanent migration refers to the number of skilled, family, and humanitarian visas the government approves. Minister Burke noted that the steady figure of 185,000 would help Australia manage migration growth effectively. He said the decision came after discussions with states and territories, which recommended keeping the program’s size and focus on skilled migration. He assured that the Department of Home Affairs processed visas at the same rate as the previous year, ensuring smooth continuation of the program.
The report also includes criticism from the Coalition’s immigration spokesman, Paul Scarr. He took issue with the delay in the announcement, which arrived two months into the financial year, calling it “unacceptable.” He argued that this announcement showed a government without a clear plan for an important area that shapes the nation’s future. He also questioned how the announced intake figure would help with the “very real pressures” facing modern Australia.
The article highlights that the Albanese government faced accusations of “empowering extremist views” by not directly addressing the migration concerns that sparked the weekend’s anti-immigration rallies. Minister for Health Mark Butler was asked about net overseas migration figures, which impact housing and services more directly. He said the new figure would be “substantially less than 500,000” but could not provide a specific number. He explained that after a peak in 2022-23, when numbers exceeded 530,000, the rate of departures was returning to a more normal level. This response prompted interviewer Karl Stefanovic to express worry that the government’s lack of a clear number was strengthening extremist views.
In 2023-24, net overseas migration was at 446,000, with total migrant arrivals falling by 10%, from 739,000 to 667,000. International students made up a significant part of the arrivals, totaling 207,000. Mr. Butler clarified that the key figure is the net number of people—arrivals minus departures. He defended the government, stating they had lowered the figure by about 40% from its post-COVID peak. He noted that the peak was expected, as many international students who had gone home during the pandemic were now returning to Australia.
The article highlights that the presence of neo-Nazis marred the rallies, drawing condemnation from Labor and other political figures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that neo-Nazis should not receive a platform and stressed the need to remain “vigilant” against rising racial resentment. He emphasized that Australia is a modern nation that has greatly benefited from its multiculturalism, where people of different backgrounds and religions generally coexist peacefully. He also highlighted that the country’s diversity enriches society.
He acknowledged that there have always been elements of anti-immigrant sentiment, but that social media has made it easier for misinformation to spread and for like-minded people to organize. He stated that “things that aren’t just fact” often reinforce people’s views, despite the declining net overseas migration figures. The Prime Minister’s comments underscored the tension between addressing real housing issues and the need for skilled workers in vital areas like healthcare and aged care. He insisted that Australia is, and always has been, an “immigration country.
