Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of Australia’s migration system, announcing significant restrictions on international students and backpackers as the government pushes to meet aggressive net overseas migration targets.
Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra today, Burke confirmed that international students will effectively be barred from bringing family members or partners to Australia under future visa arrangements. While the move represents a major tightening of policy, Burke was quick to reassure current visa holders, stating the government would “not be breaking up families on shore.”
The reforms also target the working holiday visa program, which will undergo a significant “curtailment.” Under the new framework, the government will introduce a ballot system for backpackers, with second-year visa places capped at 45,000. Third-year places will face the most drastic reduction, slashed from 31,000 to just 5,000. Burke emphasized that the requirement to complete regional work remains a mandatory prerequisite for participation in these ballots.
The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on the government to rein in migration numbers to meet budget forecasts of 245,000 in 2026/27 and 225,000 annually thereafter, down from the current figure of 292,100.
Farmers and various employer groups have already raised alarms regarding the changes, warning that restricted access to backpacker labor could cripple the agricultural sector during peak harvest seasons. In response to these concerns, Burke announced that the current freeze on processing working holiday visas will end, with application turnaround times to be stabilized at three months.
Additionally, the government is introducing a “no further stay” provision for visitor visas, preventing tourists from extending their time in the country, and will empower authorities to cancel the visas of individuals involved in hate crimes, domestic violence, or crimes targeting children. Measures to target “rogue agents” who facilitate meritless visa applications will also be strengthened.
The unveiling of the policy follows weeks of intense speculation regarding internal Labor Party divisions over migration, though Burke insisted the reforms were not a reactive “political” maneuver. He maintained that the measures were “largely worked up and formalised” by February of this year, dismissing claims that the timing was a response to rising political pressure or the recent migration platform released by One Nation.
The policy shift arrives on the heels of outspoken criticism from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who recently argued that “unreasonably slashing” intake levels would exacerbate labor shortages rather than solve Australia’s economic challenges.
Despite the skepticism from state leaders and industry groups, the federal government remains firm on its objective. “The government supports immigration but is opposed to anyone rorting the immigration system,” Burke said. The suite of reforms will proceed without new legislation, following a breakdown in negotiations with the Coalition.
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