Australian government defends delayed immigration plan as opposition demands deeper cuts

Australia's home affairs minister, Tony Burke, has defended the government's lengthy process in developing its new immigration plan, released on Thursday, saying the visa system is complex and immigration now touches nearly every part of the economy, including housing supply. He said any changes needed to be handled carefully to give the economy "the softest landing" possible.

Asked why the plan's release had been delayed by weeks, Burke placed some of the blame on the opposition, suggesting it may have a greater appetite for pushing legislation through than for genuine negotiation.

Opposition pushes back

Opposition leader Angus Taylor said the Coalition had set out preconditions for working with the government, which were not met. He argued the released plan does not include any real cut to migration numbers, adding that immigration levels should be capped according to available housing, infrastructure and services — something he said has not happened in recent years.

Government rejects food security concerns

Federal employment minister Amanda Rishworth rejected suggestions that proposed migration cuts would threaten food security or raise living costs. She said backpacker visas would remain available, with holders required to work in regional areas during their second and third years, and that the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme would continue operating. Rishworth encouraged farmers to make greater use of the PALM scheme, stressing that the government's broader migration approach is focused on ensuring integrity and compliance within the system.