One Nation leader Pauline Hanson announced a new immigration policy on Monday, pledging to reduce the number of temporary migrants in Australia by more than 750,000 over the next three years. The plan aims to achieve a “net-negative” migration level by specifically targeting international student numbers and restricting the entry of family members of skilled migrants. Hanson stated that this policy is intended to “reset” the national immigration system, arguing that a reduction in arrivals will alleviate current pressures on the housing market and public services.

The proposal has faced immediate pushback from the major political parties. The Labor government warned that such a drastic reduction in the migrant workforce would cause significant damage to essential industries, specifically highlighting the construction, health care, aged care, and disability sectors as areas that rely heavily on foreign labor. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party has questioned the validity of the proposal, casting doubt on whether the 750,000 figure is supported by any formal economic modelling. While One Nation frames the policy as a necessary step for national stability, the government and opposition suggest the plan lacks a sustainable economic foundation and threatens the operational capacity of vital public services.