Government plans to strip work rights from rejected asylum seekers and visa overstayers

The Australian cabinet is reviewing a migration overhaul that would curtail work and appeal rights for temporary visa holders whose asylum applications are refused. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who was scheduled to unveil the plan at the National Press Club, postponed the briefing after the proposal was examined by the Expenditure Review Committee and cabinet. Discussions focused on tightening backpacker visas, family reunion rules, and addressing "visa overstayers" who remain on bridging visas after their stay expires.

The government aims to bring net overseas migration down from about 300,000 to 225,000 by 2028, citing the surge in temporary visa holders as a major obstacle. Business and mining organisations have warned that rapid changes could harm skilled-worker supply, while some Labor members worry about cuts to family and humanitarian programs. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles indicated that Burke will speak at the Press Club soon, emphasizing that the policy is complex but progressing.