Australia’s net migration fell to just over 305,000 last financial year, as political debate turns from immigration numbers to the values and beliefs expected of new arrivals.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported on Thursday that net overseas migration (NOM), the difference between arrivals and departures, dropped 6,000 from the previous year and 250,000 below its September 2023 peak.
While slightly below Treasury’s forecast of 310,000 for 2024/2025, former immigration secretary Abul Rizvi said future projections of 260,000 in 2025/2026 and 225,000 in 2026/2027 remain unlikely.
Mr Rizvi attributed the slower decline to two factors: tightened student visa policies from mid-2023 to mid-2025, which later led to a surge in offshore university applications, and Australia’s comparatively strong labour market.
Political attention, however, has shifted from numbers to values, particularly in the wake of the Bondi attack. Liberal MP Andrew Hastie criticised the Albanese government, linking high NOM to housing pressures, and argued that migrants must embrace “Australian values, which are fundamentally Judeo-Christian.”
“Who we bring into our country is really important,” Mr Hastie said.
Hastie added that radical Islamic theology is “completely incompatible with the Australian achievement,” echoing comments from former Prime Minister John Howard.
Mr Rizvi warned that attempts to reinstate discriminatory migration measures based on religion or nationality would face legal challenges and practical obstacles. Screening applicants for extremist or anti-Semitic views would have limited impact and risk clogging an already stretched system.
The debate highlights growing political tension over not just how many migrants Australia accepts, but who is welcomed.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
