Business and mining leaders warn immigration cuts could cripple skilled workforce

Prominent business bodies such as the Australian Industry Group and the Minerals Council are pushing back against upcoming immigration reforms that would lower the permanent migration intake and potentially shift family processing offshore. Innes Willox warned that Australia is engaged in a global “war for talent” and that skilled migrants are vital for projects like the Queensland Olympic venues. Minerals Council chief Tania Constable said the sector needs roughly 40,000 new migrants over three years, while WA mining chief Aaron Morey highlighted the sector’s reliance on overseas labour.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is expected to unveil the cuts, and One Nation’s Pauline Hanson has called for a larger reduction to 130,000 permanent visas. The government has also slowed processing of working-holiday visas, a move that could affect regional and agricultural staffing. Industry leaders stress that both permanent and temporary migrants are essential to keep the economy moving.