Coalition Considers Cutting Net Overseas Migration to 150,000-200,000 Annually

The Coalition is considering plans to reduce Australia's annual net overseas immigration to between 150,000 and 200,000 people, according to leaked internal documents. The confidential policy roadmap circulated to senior Coalition MPs outlines key policies for the party's election platform as it prepares for a possible early election.

The documents indicate the opposition wants its full platform ready for sign-off in February 2027.

The migration taskforce has been asked to examine how Australia can lower net overseas migration to that range while minimising impacts on the budget and economy and strengthening social cohesion and Australian values. The level under discussion would represent a substantial reduction from the 306,000 recorded in 2024-2025.

It would exceed One Nation's proposed cap of 130,000 and the approximately 100,000 net overseas immigration level seen during the Howard era.

A previous Coalition leader had pledged to cut net overseas migration to 160,000 in the first year in office. In a statement, a spokesperson did not dispute that the 150,000-200,000 target was under consideration. The spokesperson said the numbers have been too high and the standards too low.

"We have announced the first instalment of our Australian Values First Migration Plan and will have more to say over the term," the spokesperson added. The families taskforce is examining options for overhauling education, tax-and-transfer and social policy systems to encourage workforce participation and family formation.

The government services taskforce is looking at ways to reduce costs, including through right-sizing the public service. The documents also show the Coalition aims to lift productivity by 0.5 to 0.7 percent per year and improve housing affordability within two years. The party is planning a messaging campaign targeting voters in 33 seats to coincide with the budget-in-reply speech next week.

The roadmap states the full platform should be ready for pre-election finalisation and sign-off in February 2027, more than a year before the scheduled federal election. A spokesperson said the party is doing the policy work early to provide a serious, costed and credible alternative to the current government.