Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has postponed a National Press Club address where he was expected to unveil a sweeping package of reforms aimed at sharply reducing Australia's net migration.
The package, reportedly under consideration, included measures such as tougher family visa rules, caps on backpacker numbers, and tighter restrictions on the work and appeal rights of asylum seekers. It was also expected to prevent spouses, children, and parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents from lodging family visa applications while visiting Australia on tourist visas. This pathway has been relied upon by many families to remain together while awaiting permanent visa processing.
If altered, applicants would be required to wait overseas for permanent visa approval, potentially facing longer queues under the government's ministerial direction. These proposed changes are part of a broader strategy to achieve a rapid and significant reduction in net migration.
Burke had been scheduled to announce the measures on Thursday but withdrew the address late Tuesday. Sources indicate that several aspects of the planned speech generated heated debate during a cabinet meeting on Monday, prompting the postponement as negotiations continue.
"The speech would deal with the migration system as a whole," a spokesperson for Burke stated. "Yesterday it became clear that some elements of the speech would not be finalised by Thursday. We're working with the Press Club to find a new date."
Late last month, Burke implemented separate migration changes intended to further reduce net migration. He also directed officials to prioritize applicants already in Australia over those offshore for permanent skilled and family visas, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and defense workers. This directive effectively delays offshore applicants, reducing immediate overseas permanent migration.
Other reported measures include an increase in visa application fees across the board.
The Albanese government is reportedly increasingly concerned about shifting public sentiment regarding immigration, as migration levels have become a significant political issue and support for Pauline Hanson's One Nation has grown. A June poll from the Lowy Institute found that 55 percent of Australians believe the annual migrant intake is too high.