WILLCOX BACKS MIGRATION CUTS WHILE PROMISING REGIONAL PROTECTIONS

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has backed a Coalition plan to cut Australia's migration numbers while promising to protect regional industries reliant on overseas workers. Photo supplied

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has backed a Coalition plan to cut Australia's migration numbers while promising to protect regional industries reliant on overseas workers.

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The Liberals and Nationals' Australia-First Migration Plan would reduce net overseas migration to 100,000 people a year for the first two years before increasing it to about 160,000 in the fourth year.

The proposal comes amid concerns from Burdekin businesses about Federal Government changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa system, which would require backpackers to win a ballot to secure second- and third-year visas, even after completing their regional work requirements.

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Ayr Backpackers owner David Esler previously warned the changes could leave regional employers struggling to find workers, while local businesses have relied on working holidaymakers to fill staffing gaps.

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Mr Willcox said the Coalition's plan would reduce the number of temporary visa holders by about 650,000 over four years, while maintaining the permanent migration program at 185,000 places a year.

“Migration is important, but it needs to put Australia first,” he said.

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The plan would prioritise higher-skilled migrants, including employer-sponsored workers, with stronger requirements around income, age, English proficiency and full-time employment.

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It would also establish 15,000 Skilled Project Visas annually to address workforce shortages on major projects.

However, the Coalition said regional migration programs supporting agriculture, health, tourism and hospitality would be protected where there were genuine workforce needs.

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The plan would also abolish Temporary Graduate Visas, reduce international student migration and tighten temporary visa rules.

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Mr Willcox said the changes would bring migration in line with Australia's ability to provide housing, infrastructure and essential services.

“If you’re struggling to buy a home, find a rental or get the services you need in our community, Australia’s migration program matters to you,” he said.

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Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the system should prioritise skilled workers who could contribute to the country.

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“We need skilled migration, not mass migration,” Mr Taylor said.

The Nationals' leader, Senator Matt Canavan, said the current system had put pressure on Australian workers and living standards.

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“Labor has let too many people into our country,” he said.

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The Coalition said its plan would ensure migration addressed genuine skills shortages without placing further pressure on housing and essential services.

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However, the announcement did not specify whether the proposed regional protections would cover working holidaymakers or how the plan would affect the visa ballot previously criticised by Burdekin employers.