One Nation's Pauline Hanson says immigration limits are fine even if they hurt firms

During an interview, One Nation’s Pauline Hanson stated she is unconcerned about any negative effects that limiting skilled migration might have on Australian businesses, saying her focus is on Australians struggling to find housing and maintain a decent standard of living. She explained that the party’s proposal to cap migration at 130,000 per year concerns only permanent migrants, while temporary arrivals such as backpackers, working-holiday makers and tourists would still be permitted.

This stance was voiced while the Labor government deals with a leaked plan to restrict family visas for citizens’ partners and children and to curb working-holiday visas. The Australian Chamber of Commerce warned that such measures could deter skilled migrants and damage the economy. Hanson also suggested reshaping the skilled-migration list to prioritize doctors, nurses, engineers and similar roles, and hinted the 130,000 cap might be reviewed annually.