Labor Targets Temporary Visas in Migration Overhaul

Labor's long-awaited migration overhaul targets temporary visas, aiming to reduce Australia's net overseas migration from about 300,000 now to 225,000 by 2028. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will unveil measures that target temporary migrants seeking to bring family members to Australia, switch visas or extend their stay.

The overhaul will be pursued through regulation, including changes to visa conditions and application processes, as the federal government has no clear path to pass stronger legislation after compromise talks with the Coalition broke down. Labor had intended to announce the policy six weeks ago but was forced to abruptly postpone its address amid disagreement between ministers weighing competing priorities.

International students will effectively lose the ability to bring their families to Australia under the crackdown, while international student numbers are expected to be left untouched. Last financial year, 337,427 student visas were granted, with 45,991 going to secondary applicants, classed as dependents or family.

The Coalition argued that the government already has sufficient powers to curb migration through regulation and accused Labor of 'starving' regions of labor and tourists.