Public frustration over soaring home prices and rents has boosted Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party, which promises to cap permanent migration at 130,000 annually.
Net overseas migration peaked at 429,000 in 2023-24 and remains high, with nearly 500,000 net arrivals in the year to February 2026, though forecasts predict declines.
The Labor government highlights reforms like student visa caps and a claimed 40% drop in net migration, while critics cite data showing daily population growth over 1,000 people.
Housing experts warn cuts could harm the economy since migrants fill key roles like 57% of GPs, but polls show 43% of voters want reductions amid cost-of-living pressures.