IN FULL: Immigration Minister Tony Burke speaks about Labor's plans for migration | ABC NEWS

Overview of Migration Policy Address by Tony Burke

Introduction to the Address

• Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke presents a highly anticipated migration overhaul at the National Press Club.

• The speech is titled "The Work of Managing the Migration Program," focusing on immigration management in Australia.

Current Immigration Landscape

• There is widespread agreement on the need to cut immigration, but disagreement on implementation methods persists among ministers and lobbyists.

• The address was delayed for six weeks, indicating the complexity and sensitivity surrounding migration policy discussions.

Significance of Citizenship Day

• The speech coincides with Citizenship Day, emphasizing that immigration is a fundamental strength of Australia.

• Citizenship ceremonies symbolize the culmination of an immigration journey, highlighting national pride and community building.

Multiculturalism as Strength

• Modern multiculturalism is portrayed as a vital component of Australia's identity, contrasting with other nations' melting pot concepts.

• Burke likens Australia to an orchestra where diverse instruments create harmony rather than losing their individual identities.

Debunking Myths About Immigration

• Burke aims to address misconceptions about mass migration in Australia, asserting that it does not equate to uncontrolled influxes seen elsewhere.

• Pre-pandemic projections indicated a smaller population growth than previously expected due to net overseas migration trends.

Economic Impact of Immigration

• Recent data shows net overseas migration numbers are significantly below post-pandemic peaks, aligning with budget forecasts.

• All visa classes contribute to net overseas migration; dismissing any category undermines understanding of its economic role.

Regional vs. Urban Immigration Needs

• While regional economies benefit from immigration, urban areas also rely heavily on migrant contributions across various sectors.

• International education serves as a crucial export industry supporting jobs beyond teaching roles in cities.

Targeted Immigration Strategy

• Any reduction in immigration must consider economic implications across all sectors; cuts can adversely affect both regions and cities alike.

• A targeted approach is necessary for addressing Australia's specific needs while managing overall immigration levels effectively.

Addressing Specific Claims Against Immigration Policy

• Burke refutes claims that the government prioritizes non-essential visa categories over critical labor shortages like construction workers.

• He highlights that the number of construction workers brought into Australia has tripled compared to previous years.

Discussion on Immigration and Housing Issues

Overview of Yoga Teachers in Immigration Context

• The current government has not brought in any yoga teachers, despite claims to the contrary.

• Previous agreements made by the former government with India included adding yoga teachers to immigration lists, initiated by Dan Tehan.

• This misinformation highlights how debates can spiral out of control, overshadowing genuine issues that need addressing.

Demand-Driven Immigration System

• The demand-driven immigration program was established during the Hawke government and expanded under Howard's administration.

• Australia’s approach allowed employers to hire needed workers without significant government intervention, assuming infrastructure would adapt accordingly.

• Current public sentiment indicates a desire for more governmental control over immigration processes than previously exercised.

Visa Hopping Concerns

• Visa hopping is identified as an issue; however, not all transitions between visas are problematic or indicative of misuse.

• A legitimate pathway exists where individuals transition from student visas to graduate work and eventually to permanent residency through employer sponsorship.

• Some individuals exploit visa systems without meeting qualifications for permanent residency, leading to prolonged stays based on family ties and community integration.

Housing Crisis Analysis

• The housing shortage is not directly caused by immigration but must be addressed within the context of it being part of the solution.

• Historical data shows a 75% increase in population versus a 100% increase in homes since the Hawke era, raising questions about housing availability.

Population Density Impact on Housing Needs

• Changes in household size (from 2.9 people per household to 2.5) necessitate finding additional homes due to increased individual space preferences post-COVID.

• Each decrease of 0.1 in average household size requires approximately 450,000 new homes to accommodate population growth adequately.

Reforms and Legislative Actions

• Proposed reforms aim at adjusting migration numbers while ensuring they align with housing supply capabilities; these discussions began last year.

• All reform measures were largely developed by February this year, countering claims that they are politically motivated responses to current events.

Points Test Reform for Skilled Migration

• Upcoming changes will focus on who arrives through a revised points test aimed at maximizing economic benefits from skilled migrants.

• New criteria will allow specific skills within the points test framework to receive higher qualification recognition for better alignment with Australia's needs.

Changes to Points Test for Skilled Trades

Equal Points for Housing Trades

• Under the new points test, individuals skilled in housing trades will receive the same number of points as those with university qualifications, addressing the urgent need for construction trades.

Visa Processing Priorities

Ministerial Direction 119

• The introduction of Ministerial Direction 119 aims to streamline visa processing by establishing clear priorities for both permanent and temporary programs, which previously had identical rules causing delays.

Updated Priority List

• The priority list will now include full construction, agriculture, fisheries, resources, and teaching sectors to expedite processing times.

Working Holiday Maker Processing

Restoration of Normal Processing Speeds

• The restoration of normal processing speeds for primary applications of working holidaymakers is underway but will not apply universally across all categories.

Regional Requirement Focus

• The focus on regional requirements remains crucial; only those meeting these criteria can benefit from expedited processing for years two and three of their visas.

Growth in UK Backpackers

Increase in Numbers

• Since the signing of a free trade agreement, the number of UK backpackers in Australia has surged from approximately 17,000 to nearly 80,000 post-pandemic.

Changes to Student and Graduate Visas

Partner Visa Attachments

• International students will no longer be able to attach family members when applying for student or graduate visas; exceptions exist for certain courses like PhDs and specific regions such as Pacific nations.

Expression of Interest System

Demand-driven Challenges

• A proposed expression of interest system aims to address demand-driven challenges within immigration but requires legislative support that is currently lacking.

Ballot System for Working Holiday Makers

Year Two and Three Qualifications

• A ballot system will be implemented for years two and three of working holiday maker visas; applicants must still meet existing regional work requirements to qualify.

Limits on Ballot Numbers

• The ballot limit for Year Two is set at 45,000 places despite last year's qualification numbers reaching 57,000. For Year Three, it is drastically reduced to just 5,000 places from last year's 31,000.

Visitor Visa Regulations

Addressing Double Standards

• New regulations aim to eliminate double standards regarding visitor visas where partners could stay indefinitely if they applied onshore without disclosing their relationship status.

No Further Stay Provision

• Future visitor visas will include a "no further stay" provision except in cases involving protection applications; this change seeks consistency across family migration processes.

Changes to Student Visas

Overview of Visa Variations

• There are three main scenarios where students may seek to vary their student visas: extensions, transfers, and progression.

Extensions

• Students can apply for an extension if they are critically ill or if their institution has closed, allowing them to complete their course.

Transfers

• Students often seek to transfer courses after 12 months if the initial course is not a good fit; this requires applying for a new visa.

Progression Issues

• The third scenario involves "visa hopping," where students finish one course and move to another without legitimate educational reasons, often transferring downwards.

Proposed Solutions

• A new rule will be implemented that allows students only to progress up the qualification scale (e.g., from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree), preventing downward transfers aimed at migration outcomes.

Addressing Disingenuous Protection Claims

Importance of Asylum System

• Australia values its asylum system but faces challenges with individuals who submit disingenuous protection claims after visa hopping.

Community Support Concerns

• There is little community support for those who exploit the system by submitting false claims just to remain in Australia while waiting out legal processes.

Statistics on Applications

• Approximately 80% of asylum applications come from countries where over 85% of claims fail, highlighting the need for reform in processing these cases.

Changes for Migration Agents

Sanctions Against Misconduct

• Migration agents encouraging non-meritorious claims will face sanctions and deregistration as part of efforts to maintain system integrity.

Historical Context on Overstayers

Previous Detention Practices

• Before 2015, overstayers were typically given bridging visas and encouraged to leave voluntarily; this approach had behavioral impacts on others considering overstaying.

Shift in Policy Post-2015

• The introduction of mandatory visa cancellations changed detention demographics significantly, leading to more serious cases being housed together with overstayers.

Future Directions for Overstayer Management

Return to Previous Practices

• The government plans to revert back to pre-2015 practices regarding overstayers, ensuring consequences exist for those who do not comply with visa regulations.

Summary of Migration Policy Goals

Clear Visa Application Guidelines

• The overarching message is clear: individuals seeking temporary residency should apply for temporary visas; those wanting permanent residency must apply accordingly.

Significance of Citizenship Ceremonies

• Ensuring the integrity of the migration system enhances the meaning behind citizenship ceremonies, celebrating those who choose Australia as their home.

Commitment to Immigration Values

Welcoming New Australians

• The commitment reflects the aspirations of Australians regarding immigration, emphasizing that most newcomers are good guests and citizens.

• Ceremonies should convey a message of "welcome home" to all immigrants, fostering a sense of belonging.

Sovereignty in Immigration Policy

• Discussion on how voters perceive immigration policies, referencing John Howard's stance on sovereignty.

• The speaker expresses confidence in discussing sovereignty and acknowledges Operation Sovereign Borders as crucial for maintaining Australia's integrity.

• Emphasizes the importance of a visa system where no one can stay without proper documentation, aligning with public expectations.

Visa System Integrity

Addressing Visa Challenges

• Acknowledges the need for an effective visa system while addressing attempts to circumvent it.

• Highlights the government's goal to ensure that the visa system delivers intended outcomes without exploitation.

Protection Claims and Legislative Options

Government's Approach to Protection Claims

• Questions arise about potential changes regarding work rights for temporary visa holders whose protection claims are rejected.

• The government is considering legislative options related to time frames for protection visa applications.

Media Speculation and Cabinet Process

• The speaker clarifies that recent media reports do not originate from them, stressing respect for the Cabinet process.

• Addresses speculation about their presence at the press club, asserting constructive conversations with opposition parties.

Maintaining Decency in Immigration Solutions

Balancing Policy with Humanity

• Stresses solving immigration issues without compromising Australia's decency or values as a nation.

• Cites examples of honest individuals who faced changing circumstances after arriving in Australia, advocating for compassion towards genuine cases.

Immediate Workforce Needs

Addressing Labor Shortages

• Discusses immediate labor shortages affecting sectors like agriculture and hospitality due to insufficient workers.

• Outlines steps being taken to restore processing for working holiday makers as part of addressing these shortages.

Post-study Work Rights Visas

Focus on 485 Visa Holders

• Highlights that many individuals staying in Australia hold 485 visas post-study, particularly from India.

Free Trade Agreements Impact

• Questions arise about whether special provisions under free trade agreements will remain intact; assurance given that they will not be undermined.

Discussion on Visa Classes and Migration Targets

Overview of Visa Class Impacts

• The discussion begins with a question about the specifics of visa class reductions to meet migration targets, highlighting that the data can be misleading due to factors like visa hopping.

• It is noted that stopping one form of visa hopping leads to shifts in migration patterns, with current statistics indicating alignment with budget forecasts of 245,000.

• The speaker emphasizes that net overseas migration includes elements beyond government control, such as citizens traveling back and forth.

Economic Factors Influencing Migration

• Factors affecting net overseas migration include the comparative strength of the Australian economy versus other countries, particularly New Zealand.

• To manage net overseas migration effectively, additional tools are necessary since some aspects should not fall under direct ministerial control.

Public Perception and Political Challenges

Changing Expectations on Migration

• There has been a shift in public perception from viewing net overseas migration as a budget forecast to seeing it as a target due to housing challenges in Australia.

Political Landscape and Migration Targets

• Questions arise regarding how higher migration levels will be justified politically when opponents propose significantly lower targets (e.g., One Nation's 130,000).

• The argument is made that lower immigration levels could harm Australian services and the economy.

Impact of Temporary Work Visas

Analysis of Temporary Work Visa Policies

• A critique is presented regarding One Nation's proposal for temporary work visas which would limit family inclusion, potentially reducing essential workforce numbers.

Essential Occupations at Risk

• Key occupations such as doctors, construction workers, nurses, and aged care workers are highlighted; many come with family members attached to their applications (50% for doctors and construction workers; two-thirds for nurses).

Consequences of Reduced Immigration Numbers

Potential Shortages in Critical Services

• The potential impact on healthcare access is discussed if half of the doctors do not arrive due to restrictive policies.

• Concerns are raised about construction worker shortages affecting housing availability amidst rising demand.

Balancing Immigration with Housing Needs

Addressing Housing Shortages through Immigration Policy

• The need for immigration policy adjustments is emphasized to allow housing supply to catch up without compromising essential services like healthcare or aged care.

Economic Implications of Migration Policies

Economic Stability vs. Restrictive Measures

• A warning is issued about significant economic impacts if stricter immigration measures are implemented beyond current tracking towards 245,000.

Leadership and Public Communication on Immigration

Government Responsibility in Addressing Public Concerns

• Acknowledgment that there has been a leadership vacuum regarding immigration discourse which has allowed misconceptions to proliferate among the public.

The Need for Comprehensive Debate in Parliament

Importance of Public Engagement

• Emphasizes the necessity for a full-scale debate on pressing issues, highlighting that Parliament should represent the voice of the people rather than pre-determined answers from political parties.

Testing Public Opinion

• Questions why the Labor Party does not engage in testing public opinion through comprehensive debates, especially when opponents like One Nation claim to act on behalf of the people's will.

Policy Outlines and Voter Input

• Advocates for clear policy outlines from all parties (Coalition, One Nation, Government), suggesting that Senate committees should incorporate direct voter input to assess national needs comprehensively.

Pragmatism vs. Immediate Behavioral Change

Legislative Impact on Behavior

• Discusses how immediate legislative changes can lead to unintended behavioral shifts that may contradict national interests, particularly in immigration law.

Historical Context of Immigration Law

• Reflects on past government experiences with immigration law and stresses caution against creating negative behavioral changes through poorly timed legislation.

Opposition's Role and Economic Considerations

Tools for Effective Governance

• Asserts that if there were ulterior motives behind current policies, it would be a different situation; emphasizes the need for opposition to step up and utilize available tools effectively.

National Interest Focus

• Reiterates that decisions are made with precision aimed at benefiting Australia's economic interests while being cautious about immigration levels during economic downturns.

Addressing Concerns of Migrant Communities

Acknowledgment of Community Sentiments

• Responding to concerns about harmful impacts on migrant communities during government discussions; acknowledges feelings of neglect or silence from Labor regarding these issues.

Commitment Against Hate Speech

• Stresses a lifelong commitment to combating hate speech and ensuring equal citizenship rights regardless of heritage, aiming to unify Australian society.

Migration Targets and Housing Affordability

Construction Workers' Role in Migration

• Clarifies that migration targets significantly impact housing supply by emphasizing the need for skilled construction workers within Australia’s migrant intake strategy.

Supply as Key Factor

• Argues that improving housing affordability relies heavily on increasing supply through skilled labor; recent announcements aim to enhance construction skills programs significantly.

International Students and Future Projections

Stability in Planning Levels

• Confirms that planning levels for international student applications remain unchanged despite potential fluctuations due to stricter asset checks leading to increased visa refusals.

Education vs. Migration Outcomes

• Highlights efforts to ensure educational institutions focus on providing genuine education rather than serving as pathways for migration outcomes, maintaining integrity within Australia’s education system.

Immigration Policy Changes and Departures

Expected Departures and Capacity Management

• The discussion begins with inquiries about the expected number of departures due to new compliance measures, including 100 new staff and 250 additional beds.

• The Minister clarifies that the 250 beds are not permanent placements; turnover rates will vary based on how quickly individuals depart after being placed in these beds.

• It is noted that more than four individuals can be expected to turn over in a year, with some staying for only a few weeks or less.

• A significant behavioral change is highlighted as a key outcome, emphasizing self-management among those without visas to encourage voluntary departures.

• The real change lies in fostering an understanding that individuals should leave if they no longer hold valid visas.

Political Dynamics and Public Perception

• Jessica Wang from the Daily Telegraph raises concerns about Labor's political capital loss to One Nation regarding secondary visa policies for international students.

• The Minister acknowledges the importance of timing in policy announcements, stating that internal processes must be completed before public disclosure.

• He emphasizes the need for coherent communication rather than piecemeal announcements to avoid confusion among the public.

• The focus remains on ensuring immigration policies are both effective and decent while maintaining clear explanations to the public.

• Voter confidence hinges on demonstrating reliability in migration systems and addressing economic implications tied to immigration numbers.

Family Visa Processing Concerns

• James Mega from Bloomberg questions delays faced by Australian citizens waiting for spouse visas, citing personal experiences of prolonged processing times exceeding three years.

• The Minister explains that visa processing timelines are influenced by annual budget planning levels set by the Department, which must balance various visa categories.

• Increased demand for spouse visas is acknowledged due to more Australians forming relationships overseas, complicating family migration management.

• Long wait times for non-contributory parent visas are also highlighted as problematic, with current waits reaching up to 30 years.

• Efforts are underway to alleviate hardships through visitor visa changes allowing partners extended time together despite ongoing application delays.

National Security Campaign Initiatives

• Discussion shifts towards national security threats as ASIO mentions probable terror threat levels; there’s a call for increased public awareness campaigns like "see something, say something."

• Emphasis is placed on promoting awareness of national security hotlines where every call contributes valuable information toward prevention efforts.

• Strategies include targeting communications towards parents and friends who may notice concerning behavior changes in young people engaging online.

• There’s concern about radicalization occurring rapidly through online interactions, necessitating proactive measures against potential threats.

• The Minister stresses vigilance regarding both physical borders and digital spaces where radicalization can occur swiftly among youth.

Advertising Campaign Risks and National Security Awareness

Importance of Public Awareness

• The advertising campaign is deemed crucial as it addresses public unawareness regarding national security issues.

• Programs like "Step Together" are highlighted for their success in New South Wales, providing a lower barrier for reporting concerns about individuals.

Communication Strategies

• There is a need for simple explainer campaigns to educate the public on signs of potential threats in the complex national security environment.

• Current frameworks lack clarity in expressing risk levels, particularly between 'probable' and 'likely' scenarios.

Minister Tony Burke's Address on Migration System Overhaul

Key Changes Announced

• Major changes affect temporary visas, specifically visitor, student, and backpacker visas.

• Visitor visa holders will face a "no further stay" condition, preventing them from applying for other visas while in Australia.

Student Visa Reforms

• New conditions will restrict international students to advancing their qualifications to remain on student visas.

• Future international students will not be allowed to bring family members under new secondary visa restrictions.

Backpacker Visa Adjustments

• Caps have been introduced for backpacker visas: 45,000 second-year and 5,000 third-year visas granted annually.

• These measures aim to reduce net overseas migration amid political debates surrounding immigration policies.

Government's Migration Targets and Legislative Challenges

Migration Statistics and Goals

• Labor aims to decrease net overseas migration from 292,000 to 225,000 by 2028 as part of these reforms.

Legislative Limitations

• Minister Burke expressed that proposed reforms are less comprehensive than desired due to legislative hurdles with coalition negotiations.

Compliance Measures for Temporary Visa Holders

Addressing Visa Overstayers

• The government plans stricter compliance measures against temporary visa holders who overstay their permits.

Policy Reversion Proposal

• A return to pre-2015 policies is suggested where overstayers would be detained until they book flights home; this differs from current cancellation practices.

Adjustments Following Backlash

Response to Community Concerns

• In response to backlash from various sectors regarding delays in processing skilled visas and backpacker applications, the minister has reverted some previous decisions.