Coalition primary vote hits record low as Australians favor stricter immigration limits

One outlet Essential poll, conducted last week with 1,022 Australians, recorded the Coalition’s primary vote at 22%, a four-point drop from the prior month and equal to its all-time low. Labor’s primary rose to 29%, while One Nation climbed to 25% and the Greens held steady at 12%. Although 46% view migration positively, 55% still favor lowering the yearly intake, and 70% support forced deportations of visa overstayers.

Respondents also backed tougher assessment of protection visas, restrictions on family members of international students, and policies steering skilled visas toward sectors like health and construction. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s proposal to make visa switching harder attracted 64% support, and 70% said they would prefer fewer migrants even if housing and services kept pace. Experts warned that extreme cuts could cost billions and disrupt aged-care and construction sectors.