The Coalition is standing by its stated goal of reducing permanent migration after scrapping a separate pledge to cut the number of net arrivals to 160,000 a year as an exclusive survey shows strong majority support for a lower intake.
The article from The Sydney Morning Herald discusses the political landscape surrounding migration policies in Australia. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has moderated his stance on migration, moving away from a specific target of reducing net migration to 160,000 per year, which he had previously suggested. This shift comes as public opinion, according to recent polls, shows a significant portion of voters supporting a reduction in migration numbers. A Resolve Political Monitor survey indicated that 62% of voters believe the current migration intake is too high, with preferences for cuts varying across different demographics. Despite this, Dutton's retreat from a hard numerical target reflects an acknowledgment of the complexities involved in migration policy, including economic considerations and the need for skilled workers. The article also touches on the broader political implications, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticizing Dutton's fluctuating positions, suggesting a lack of coherent policy direction from the opposition.
