One Nation Seeks Mass Migrant Cuts as Australia Tackles Housing Pressures
Australia's far-right One Nation party is pushing for significant cuts to migrant numbers. The proposal, led by leader Pauline Hanson, aims to reduce temporary migrants by about 750,000 over three years.
The plan would target visas issued to international students and their dependents, as well as skilled migrants. It also seeks to end the practice of 'temporary visa hopping' to extend a stay in Australia and remove 'illegal migrants'. Hanson said that a larger economy does not benefit Australians if they are poorer per person and cannot afford basic necessities.
The announcement comes ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's updated migration policy. Critics argue that high immigration has driven economic growth, but also contributed to housing pressures. The Reserve Bank of Australia may need to raise interest rates again due to stronger population growth and elevated inflation.