The Australian Coalition is anticipated to reveal substantial cuts to immigration today, Monday 5 October 2026. The party states these changes aim to maintain working holidaymaker places and prioritise skills, in an effort to address growing support for One Nation.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor is expected to unveil the Coalition's policy on Tuesday, following approval from Liberal and National MPs in a meeting scheduled for this morning. Liberal sources indicate the Coalition's target for net overseas migration (Nom) will be significantly lower than Labor's new target, but not as low as One Nation's goal of 130,000 annual net arrivals.
Reports from Nine newspapers suggest the Coalition plans to initially reduce net migration to approximately 100,000 in the first year after an election, before it rises to a figure between One Nation's 130,000 and Labor's target of 225,000. The number of new arrivals will be linked to housing completions in Australia, as previously announced by Taylor.
The Coalition's plan is likely to include the largest cuts in the first year to make an immediate impact on Nom. Foreign students and individuals overstaying their visas are expected to be part of a crackdown, alongside measures to remove those in the country without a legal pathway to stay. Last year, Australia issued over 337,000 international student visas, with about 45,000 going to dependants or family members.
Labor's plan, outlined by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, aims to bring Nom down to 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 in 2027-28. This includes preventing most students from bringing family members and banning 'visa hopping'.