Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke postpones speech on planned migration reductions

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has delayed a National Press Club address where he was set to announce extensive cuts to Australia’s migration program.

Tony Burke, the Home Affairs Minister, postponed his National Press Club speech that was to unveil a sweeping migration reform agenda. The delay was announced on Tuesday without an explanation, and officials say a new date will be set soon. The reform package, reportedly discussed by cabinet on Monday, would tighten family visa eligibility, cap backpacker arrivals, and curb work and appeal options for asylum seekers to achieve a rapid drop in net migration.

Earlier this month Burke quietly raised visa fees and issued directives to prioritize onshore over offshore skilled and family applicants, further reducing overseas arrivals. Additional proposals include barring tourists from applying for family visas while in Australia and limiting humanitarian visa holders’ work rights. The move comes amid criticism from One Nation and the Coalition over a post-pandemic surge that pushed net migration above half a million in 2023. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese returns from leave Thursday, and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will speak at the club the day before Burke’s original slot.