Australia to maintain annual refugee intake at 20,000

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that the country’s annual refugee intake will remain at 20,000 people. This announcement follows reports suggesting the government might reduce the intake to 13,750 in the next federal budget.

Federal ministers, including Health Minister Mark Butler, denied that the Prime Minister’s clarification constituted a “backflip” on migration policy. Butler stated that the humanitarian intake number has been a consistent Labor Party position and was reaffirmed at the party’s national conference last month. While acknowledging potential confusion regarding communication from the Home Affairs Minister’s office, Butler maintained that the government’s commitment to the 20,000 figure remains unchanged, pending the usual budget renewal process.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor indicated that the Coalition would consider adjusting refugee intake numbers as part of its migration policy, noting that any specific figures would be announced closer to the 2028 federal election in alignment with housing construction needs.