Australia opposition vows record immigration cut

Australia's conservative opposition has promised what it called the country's largest immigration cut if it wins the next election.

Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor said Tuesday that a Coalition government would reduce net overseas migration to 100,000 for its first two years in office. Net overseas migration stood at 292,100 in the year to March, according to data released last month.

Taylor also said the Coalition would cut temporary visas by 650,000 over four years. The next election is scheduled for 2028.

National Party leader Matt Canavan said the plan would help “take back our country”. Taylor said Australia needed “breathing space” and should be “a home, not a hotel”.

The pledge comes as the Liberal-National alliance faces pressure from One Nation, the far-right party led by Pauline Hanson. AFP cited opinion polls showing One Nation has become Australia's most popular party in recent months.

The ruling Labor Party has also promised tighter migration rules. Interior Minister Tony Burke announced plans last month to reduce migration by curbing “visa hopping”, tightening rules for students and working holiday makers, and cracking down on overstayers.