Australia to cut refugee intake by a third amid migration pressure

Australia's annual refugee intake is set to fall by a third next financial year, reverting to Coalition-era levels of 13,750 places from the current 20,000. This significant reduction is a key component of the Labor government's strategy to curb migration numbers, aiming to bring net overseas migration down to 225,000 in the upcoming financial year.

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We’re worried about trying to get numbers right.

The decision comes amid mounting political pressure, particularly from the anti-immigration party One Nation, whose leader Pauline Hanson has seen a surge in support. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the government is responding to national needs and post-pandemic fluctuations, asserting that the reduction in numbers began before the recent spike in One Nation's support. "We’re responding to national needs," Albanese said.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from refugee advocates and the Greens. Jana Favero, deputy chief executive of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, accused the government of betraying those relying on Australia's support. "There are already Australian families desperately waiting to bring loved ones to safety from Iran, Sudan, Gaza and conflicts around the world," she stated.

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We’re responding to national needs.

The Greens' immigration spokesperson echoed these sentiments, arguing that the reduction makes Australia 'meaner and weaker.' This policy shift also appears to contradict Labor's past commitments, including a 2015 pledge to accept 27,000 refugees annually by 2025, and language approved at its July national conference aiming to maintain 20,000 places while aspiring to 27,000.

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There are already Australian families desperately waiting to bring loved ones to safety from Iran, Sudan, Gaza and conflicts around the world.

Further changes to migration settings are anticipated, including tightened rules for backpackers and working holidaymakers. These adjustments are seen as part of Labor's broader attempt to manage immigration levels and counter the political momentum driven by immigration debates.

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What makes this even more disturbing is the politics behind it. The government appears increasingly willing to let One Nation dictate the terms of the migration debate, even when that means abandoning commitments made by its own party just weeks ago.