At briefings on 19 November, senior Liberal and National Party figures confirmed that a future Coalition government would “significantly” lower Australia’s migration-programme numbers, targeting both the skilled and international-student streams. While no headline cap has been set, back-benchers are lobbying for a return to Howard-era levels of about 100,000 permanent migrants a year—less than half Treasury’s projection for 2025-26.
Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley argued that migration settings must be tied to each state’s capacity to build housing and hospital beds. Shadow home-affairs minister Jonno Duniam signalled a tougher English-language benchmark and more aggressive labour-market testing for employer sponsors.
![Opposition Coalition outlines plan for deep cuts to skilled migration and student intakes]()
Business groups have pushed back, warning the resources and tech sectors already face acute skill shortages. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says slashing skilled visas would undermine the government’s own net-zero infrastructure plans, which rely on specialist engineers.
If enacted, the policy would also curb the dependent-family stream and could see tighter post-study work rights. Mobility managers should scenario-plan for higher rejection rates, longer processing times and a possible surge in state-nominated visas as employers seek alternative pathways.
The Coalition will release full policy details closer to the 2028 election, but the early signaling is already influencing hiring strategies for multinationals eyeing Australian expansion.
Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley argued that migration settings must be tied to each state’s capacity to build housing and hospital beds. Shadow home-affairs minister Jonno Duniam signalled a tougher English-language benchmark and more aggressive labour-market testing for employer sponsors.
Business groups have pushed back, warning the resources and tech sectors already face acute skill shortages. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says slashing skilled visas would undermine the government’s own net-zero infrastructure plans, which rely on specialist engineers.
If enacted, the policy would also curb the dependent-family stream and could see tighter post-study work rights. Mobility managers should scenario-plan for higher rejection rates, longer processing times and a possible surge in state-nominated visas as employers seek alternative pathways.
The Coalition will release full policy details closer to the 2028 election, but the early signaling is already influencing hiring strategies for multinationals eyeing Australian expansion.
