Pauline Hanson Calls for Cutting Australia’s Permanent Migration to 130,000

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson urged the Australian government to lower the annual permanent migration target to 130,000, arguing that the current intake overwhelms housing, infrastructure and does not match workforce needs. She said the migration program should prioritize doctors, nurses and engineers and be reviewed each year, adding that “we don’t need any more Uber drivers, nail technicians, dog walkers.”

Hanson dismissed concerns that the cuts could hurt businesses or universities, stating she “doesn’t care” about the impact on those sectors and is focused on Australians’ ability to afford a roof and a decent standard of living. The federal Migration Program remains set at 185,000 places, with most visas allocated to skilled migrants.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled a planned speech on migration reforms, which was expected to outline further cuts, while the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that overly draconian measures could exacerbate skill shortages. Hanson’s proposal contrasts with the Labor government’s higher migration target and reflects a broader debate over the balance between population growth and economic needs.