Labor seeks tighter grip on migration amid looming NOM targets

Labor’s immigration agenda is shifting from boat arrivals to the broader, demand-driven components of the migration program, as the government aims to lower Net Overseas Migration (NOM) figures. Tony Burke, the Home Affairs Minister, delayed his National Press Club address to avoid presenting incomplete policy details, signalling internal caution. Proposed measures include tightening rules on asylum-seeker work rights, capping backpacker stay extensions, and potentially requiring family reunion applicants to apply from abroad.

Chris Bowen warned that while occupation lists and salary thresholds can be tweaked, there is no overall limit on temporary skilled visas, making control challenging. Bridging visas have hit a record of more than 430,000, adding pressure to the NOM tally, which has repeatedly missed budget forecasts. Labor officials consider hitting the NOM target essential for electoral credibility ahead of the 2028 vote, especially as immigration has become a rallying issue for parties like One Nation.