Opposition leader Angus Taylor called his proposed changes “the largest cut to immigration in Australian history”, promising to cut 650,000 temporary visas over four years, while increasing the number of skilled worker places by 100,000.
Mr Taylor said the policy would have a positive impact on the country’s economy by focusing on skilled migration, but costings of the policy will only be released closer to the election, once further policy of NOM forecasts changes are confirmed by the Federal Government.
The policy would also see Labor’s working holidaymaker visa caps removed, and a fee applied to anyone wishing to stay longer than a year, with exemptions for those willing to work regionally supporting the agriculture and hospitality industries.
But despite spruiking the removal of the cap, and deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume insisting “pubs will still be staffed, fruit will still be picked, and houses will be built”, the number of working holidaymakers is expected to fall by nearly 24,000 by 2031/32 according to the Coalition’s own projections.
Details on the proposed agricultural visa are scarce, with the policy document simply announcing the introduction of one by 2030 without providing specifics.
Other changes impacting regional communities include a promise to replace the regional permanent program with ministerial directions prioritising employer-sponsored applications in regional Australia and the creation of 15,000 skilled project visa places — which tie workers to a defined project and period — annually.
