Farrer By-Election Candidates Discuss Immigration Policy

By Philippe Perez

ABC Goulburn Murray

Topic: By-Elections

Patrick Bourke says common sense is needed for Farrer's immigration policy.

In short:

Many industries in Farrer rely on migration, but some communities face housing issues.

One Nation's candidate had to correct their comments on immigration.

What's next?

Farrer residents vote today.

The town of Urana is in the heart of Farrer country.

Urana has about 300 residents, most born in Australia.

Immigration is important for the region's economy.

Migrant workers are vital for some industries in Farrer.

Patrick Bourke says immigration is important, but it must be a calculated decision.

Farrer candidates are finding it hard to create an immigration policy that fits.

Industries like health and agriculture need migrant workers.

Urana nurse Carol Kirkby says immigration is vital for regional towns.

The town of Urana is in the heart of Farrer.

Without migrant workers, healthcare facilities would be short-staffed.

Some voters worry that immigration puts pressure on housing and healthcare.

Neo-Nazis once held a rally in Corowa, where a meat processor is based.

A group of Neo-Nazis staged a rally in Corowa, NSW.

There is no room for racism, says Patrick Bourke.

Australia should not tolerate racism.

Who else will do the work?

Pita Foliaki Lokotui works with Vanuatu workers in the PALM scheme.

A sign in Leeton welcomes migrants.

Nearly 7,000 Vanuatu workers are in the PALM scheme, mostly in horticulture.

The PALM scheme is needed, says Pita Foliaki Lokotui.

Reducing Vanuatu workers would slow the horticulture industry.

The PALM scheme was introduced to fill jobs in agriculture and care.

There are cultural clashes in the workplace sometimes.

Some farmers are receptive to different cultures, while others are not.

If a farmer is racist, there are processes to help them understand.

If not, the workers will be moved to another farm.

Flip-flop over Farrer immigration

Australia's net overseas migration was 306,000 in 2024-25.

This included 88,000 permanent visa holders and 157,000 international students.

One Nation wants to cap annual arrivals at 130,000.

One Nation's candidate, David Farley, has a career in cotton, which uses temporary visa holders.

David Farley is One Nation's candidate for Farrer.

At a forum, David Farley said immigration should match housing and health needs.

He said 306,000 net migration might not be too many.

If One Nation's water policies succeed, more labor will be needed.

The next day, David Farley said 306,000 was too many due to a housing crisis.

One Nation will cap immigration at 130,000 per year.

Housing and services need to catch up for Australians already living here.

David Farley says skilled migrant programs like the PALM scheme are working.

The Liberals, Nationals, and an independent are also contesting the by-election.

Independent Michelle Milthorpe says regional economies need migrants.

She wants regional communities to drive migration pathways.

Her policy includes aligning skilled worker visas with local demand.

The Coalition announced its Australian Values Migration Plan.

The Coalition will link overseas migration to housing supply.