Australia's government is still navigating internal discussions for its significant migration overhaul, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke declining to provide a timeline for the reforms' finalization. Burke confirmed that the package is undergoing a comprehensive cabinet process, emphasizing the need to examine all potential consequences before its release.
The forthcoming reforms are anticipated to introduce stricter regulations for family visas, impose tighter restrictions on asylum seekers' rights to work and appeal, and modify working holiday visa arrangements as the government aims to decrease overall migration numbers. One proposed change would require non-citizens applying for family visas to do so from outside Australia, rather than while on a tourist visa within the country.
Burke also acknowledged that working holiday visas are currently being processed but at a reduced pace. He addressed concerns about potential impacts on the agricultural sector, asserting that the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme remains the primary labor source for farmers. He noted that some employers have reportedly shifted to using backpacker labor following the implementation of stronger protections for PALM workers.
This period of delay coincides with new data from the Home Affairs department that has intensified scrutiny on the nation's asylum system. In the 2025-26 period, over 21,600 protection visa applications were submitted, while nearly 28,000 claims were finalized. Approximately 85 percent of these applications were rejected, and the number of individuals with failed asylum claims remaining in Australia has now exceeded 111,000.
Meanwhile, opposition to the government's approach is mounting. Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, has called for a reduction in permanent migration levels to 130,000 annually. She argues that Australia should prioritize addressing genuine skills shortages rather than maintaining high migration intake. Hanson also reiterated her proposal to cut international student numbers, suggesting that some students utilize education visas as an indirect route to permanent residency. Furthermore, she proposed blocking visitor visas from countries flagged with a 'do not travel' advisory by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, citing the need to protect the safety of Australians.
The government has yet to confirm a release date for its migration reform package.