Australia's Labor Party Tries to Control Immigration

The Australian government is analyzing its immigration policies.

This article is written by David Speers.

The topic is about the federal government.

The article was published on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 5:00 am.

Tony Burke, the minister in charge of immigration, knows that changing immigration policies can be very sensitive and may cause a backlash.

The government wants to decide who can come to Australia and under what conditions.

It has been 25 years since John Howard, the former prime minister, said that the government would decide who comes to Australia. This statement was a key part of the Coalition's successful election campaign in 2001. Since then, voters have expected the government to deliver on this promise.

However, the question is, how much control does the government really have over immigration?

According to those in the current government, the answer is not enough. They are trying to exert more control over the system to reduce immigration numbers.

In the past, the big challenge for the government was to stop asylum seeker boats from arriving in Australia. Now, the challenge is to achieve a lower net overseas migration figure.

The problem is that not all parts of the immigration system are easy to control, especially the parts that are driven by demand.

Chris Bowen, a former immigration minister, had a difficult time in the portfolio when asylum seeker boat arrivals increased during the Gillard government.

The issue now is not about boat arrivals.

Chris Bowen noted that immigration ministers do not always have direct control over the system. He said that if a business needs a temporary skilled worker, it can automatically happen.

The government can change some rules, such as occupation priority lists and salary thresholds, but it cannot set a hard cap on the number of temporary skilled workers.

There is also no limit on the number of working holiday visas or family reunion visas.

Additionally, there are people on bridging visas, including students and those who have made asylum claims. The number of bridging visas has reached a record high.

All these categories contribute to the net overseas migration figure.

Although the net overseas migration figure has decreased from its peak after COVID-19, it still exceeds the government's forecast.

In the past, missing the forecast was not a big deal, but now it is seen as a failure.

The government is under pressure to meet its target, especially before the next election in 2028.

Labor cannot ignore the role of immigration in the rise of One Nation, a political party that has been gaining support.

One Nation has been vocal about its stance on immigration.

This is the context in which Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is trying to exert more control over the immigration system.

Burke was supposed to outline his reforms in an address to the National Press Club, but he postponed it.

The decision to postpone was not due to a disagreement in the cabinet, but because the minister wanted to make sure he had all the details right.

Any changes to the immigration system will need to be carefully explained.

The government is expected to introduce measures such as limiting the number of backpackers and banning visitors from applying for family visas.

Experts are divided on the government's plan, warning that the details are crucial.

Each change carries potential risks, including political, legal, and economic risks.

One sensitive issue is stopping the wives, husbands, and children of Australian citizens from applying for a family reunion visa while in Australia.

Forcing them to apply from offshore could prompt a backlash from migrant communities and business groups.

Bowen emphasized the importance of family reunions during his address to the Press Club.

Making changes to the family reunion program will need to be carefully explained.

Burke is one of the most experienced Labor politicians and understands the political sensitivities and risks involved.

He knows that the government must be seen to have control over immigration or risk losing the next election.

David Speers is a national political lead and host of Insiders.

More ABC coverage is available.

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