A Coalition frontbencher has put a concrete migration figure on the table, even as colleagues distance themselves from it. Liberal senator Andrew Bragg told the National Press Club on Wednesday he wants net overseas migration (NOM) capped at 180,000 a year, the lowest level since the mid-2000s.

Bragg told the Guardian the cuts could come from “modest reductions in international students, working holiday-makers, and some unskilled workers”. For context, NOM peaked at around 500,000 in the post-pandemic surge. The Albanese government forecasts it will fall to 295,000 for the last financial year, then to 245,000 in 2026-27 and 225,000 in 2027-28.

Bragg pointed to 2009-10 as precedent, when NOM dropped from 300,000 to 175,000 inside 18 months. He framed the proposal as a housing fix, arguing the dwelling shortfall can’t close while population growth outpaces construction.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor and shadow treasurer Tim Wilson both declined to endorse the 180,000 target. Taylor told 2GB the Coalition would publish an exact number before the next election, but said it would be “well below 200,000”. Wilson told News24 “I don’t think you should bank that at all” when asked if Bragg’s figure was settled policy. Nationals leader Matt Canavan ruled out cuts to visas covering farm workers and regional labour.

For tradies, the policy direction matters more than the precise number. A sharper reduction in working holiday and unskilled visas could tighten the labour pool on commercial and civil sites that rely on those visa categories. The housing angle cuts both ways, though: a sustained dwelling shortfall means less residential construction work even as it makes the case for reform. Industry bodies including the HIA have flagged skills shortages as a continuing drag on building output. What any final NOM figure does to the apprentice and skilled-migrant pipeline depends on exactly which visa categories get trimmed.

The Coalition hasn’t finalised its migration policy. Bragg acknowledged as much, saying the opposition hadn’t yet put together its “complete policy” but wanted to advance the debate. A firm number is unlikely before the campaign itself.

Frequently asked questions

What is Andrew Bragg’s proposed migration cap?

Bragg wants net overseas migration capped at 180,000 a year, which would be the lowest level since the mid-2000s. He says cuts would come from international students, working holiday-makers, and some unskilled workers.

Does the Coalition officially support the 180,000 figure?

No. Opposition leader Angus Taylor said the Coalition’s number would be ‘well below 200,000’ but wouldn’t confirm Bragg’s figure. Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson said ‘I don’t think you should bank that at all’.

How could a migration cut affect tradies and construction workers?

Fewer working holiday and unskilled visas could tighten the labour pool on commercial and civil sites. At the same time, a slower-growing population could reduce demand for new housing, which would cut residential construction work.

Sourced from The Guardian. Original article.