Australia politics live: Bragg to outline Coalition plans to heavily cut net migration and shred 96% of house construction code

AI Summary

Australia's Coalition plans to significantly reduce net overseas migration and overhaul housing construction codes. The proposed policy aims to address long-term growth and housing challenges amid ongoing political debate.

Policy comes as debate continues over causes of and solutions to housing issues. Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Are the Coalition 100% set on cutting net overseas migration to 180,000? Despite Andrew Bragg’s speech being sent to the media overnight, this morning the shadow treasurer, Tim Wilson, doesn’t seem to want to lock in the 180,000 net overseas migration target. I don’t think you should bank that at all. Let’s just wait and see, firstly, what Senate Bragg’s saying in his speech and we haven’t made an announcement about where we’re going to be going into the next election, but our focus is actually about what we need to do to invest in the long-term growth and success of our country. A NOM reduction on this scale is manageable and in line with reductions we have managed in recent history – for example in 2009-2010 when the NOM declined from 300,000 to 175,000 in around 18 months. This will be achieved through a higher share of skilled migrant workers linked to jobs that meet Australian industry needs. This includes more reductions in other streams like family, international students and other temporary migrants. Continue reading...