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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Liberals pour cold water on Bragg's migration comments

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg suggested a net migration target of 180,000 is achievable by cutting backpacker and student visas.
  • Senior opposition sources stated Bragg's comments do not reflect an agreed shadow cabinet position and are not a formal policy announcement.
  • The government is also discussing migration plans, aiming for Treasury's forecast of 225,000 by 2027-28, while the Coalition has not yet specified visa cuts.

Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg has suggested that a net migration target of 180,000 is achievable, a figure he believes would be sufficient to address the housing shortfall. Bragg proposed this could be done through modest reductions in international students, working holiday-makers, and post-study work visas, while also benefiting the budget and economy.

This reduction can be achieved while benefiting the budget and the economy, including by … modest reductions in international students, working holiday-makers and post-study work visas.

— Andrew BraggLiberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg explaining his proposed net migration target.

However, several senior opposition sources, including frontbenchers, have indicated that Bragg's remarks do not represent an agreed position within Angus Taylor's shadow cabinet. They clarified that no decision has been made regarding which visa programs would be targeted for cuts, emphasizing that Bragg's comments should be seen as his personal view rather than a formal policy announcement.

It should be interpreted as by Bragg for Bragg, and it is not a formal policy announcement.

— Senior Liberal sourceA senior opposition source clarifying the status of Andrew Bragg's migration comments.

In a broader context, Senator Bragg also reflected on his party's role in the country's perceived "malaise," criticizing leaders over the past two decades for indolence. He expressed regret for not doing more to prevent what he termed "madness" during his time as a backbencher in the Morrison government.

I get that people are over the two-party system and it is a tough ask to say to Australians, 'We buggered it up, but please vote for us again.'

— Andrew BraggSenator Bragg reflecting on public sentiment towards the political system.

This internal Liberal party discussion on migration targets comes as the government also navigates complex discussions on the issue. Public hostility towards migration has risen, with net migration exceeding half a million for the first time in 2023. The government's unfinished plan reportedly aims to align with Treasury's net migration forecasts, around 225,000 by 2027-28, and seeks to increase control over visas for backpackers, rejected asylum seekers, and potentially family migrants. The Coalition, meanwhile, has yet to detail its proposed visa stream cuts, stating these will be released closer to the election.

As someone who was a backbencher in the Morrison government, I am sorry I didn't do more to stop the madness.

— Andrew BraggSenator Bragg expressing regret about past government actions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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