Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg sparked internal debate within the Coalition following a speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday. In his address, Bragg proposed a policy to reduce net overseas migration from approximately 300,000 to below 180,000 annually, arguing that this reduction is necessary to align population growth with the pace of new housing construction. Additionally, Bragg called for a significant reduction in the national construction code to streamline building processes.

The proposals have created a visible divide within the Liberal Party. While Opposition leader Angus Taylor and other senior colleagues were quick to dismiss the specific migration figures as being Bragg’s personal views rather than official party policy, Senator Andrew McLachlan has publicly supported Bragg. McLachlan urged his parliamentary colleagues to “follow his lead,” suggesting that Bragg’s approach offers a necessary path forward for the party’s housing and economic strategy. The disagreement highlights ongoing internal tensions regarding how the Coalition should address the national housing crisis and migration levels as they prepare for future policy platforms.