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One Nation pursuing migration rate 'not too different' to Labor

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • One Nation MP David Farley suggests Australia's immigration rate under his party would be similar to current government targets, around 230,000 annually.
  • Farley emphasized a focus on skills needed by the nation and directing migrants to regional areas for work in agriculture, mining, and engineering.
  • The party also intends to restrict migration from certain high-risk countries, potentially using travel advice to inform decisions.

One Nation MP David Farley has indicated that his party's approach to immigration would not drastically differ in numbers from current government targets, suggesting an annual rate of approximately 230,000 people. This figure includes a net overseas migration (NOM) target of around 130,000, supplemented by at least 100,000 skilled workers admitted through established visa programs.

Farley clarified that while the raw numbers might be comparable to forecasts by the Labor government, the key distinction for One Nation lies in the strategic placement and skill set of migrants. "We don't need them in the great urban 'metroplex'. We need them out to be productive, working out in agriculture, engineering, mining, etc," Farley stated, emphasizing a focus on national skill requirements.

This approach involves prioritizing migrants for specific sectors deemed essential for the nation's productivity. Farley cited examples such as approximately 40,000 migrants under the Pacific workers visa, around 68,000 to 70,000 skilled aged care workers, and skilled mechanical and engineering professionals. These categories alone would constitute a minimum of 100,000 additional visas annually under a One Nation government.

The raw number is not too different, but the reality is where do we need them. We don't need them in the great urban 'metroplex'. We need them out to be productive, working out in agriculture, engineering, mining, etc.

— David FarleyOne Nation MP David Farley explains his party's focus on the strategic placement of migrants.

The comments come amid ongoing debate about reducing migration rates, a platform that has fueled One Nation's recent surge in popularity. The party also plans to implement restrictions on migration from countries identified as higher risk, potentially using travel advisories as a basis for these decisions.

Meanwhile, the Coalition is developing its own migration policy to counter One Nation's influence, aiming to link migration numbers to housing construction rates. The government, for its part, is planning reforms to further manage migration flows.

The big difference is we are focusing on what are the skills we need as a nation.

— David FarleyDavid Farley highlights One Nation's emphasis on national skill requirements for migrants.
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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