Today, Immigration and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke disclosed that the target for 2025-26 will remain at 185,000, consistent with the target for 2024-25.

“The decision follows discussions with the states and territories, which advised keeping the program’s size and composition steady, emphasizing skilled migration,” stated a brief communiqué from Burke’s office.

Net overseas migration – distinct from permanent migration as it encompasses groups like international students, who depart after a limited stay – currently exceeds pre-pandemic numbers but is decreasing from the unprecedented highs observed following the significant drop induced by COVID-era limitations.

It is forecast to drop further, back to pre-pandemic levels, in the next two years.

“We have observed a 37 percent decrease in net overseas migration from its COVID-era peak, mainly due to several factors, including sustainable management of student visas,” cabinet minister Amanda Rishworth mentioned on the Today show this morning.

“We continue to work on this.”

One of the issues raised by protesters over the weekend was the housing crisis.

However, economists and other industry experts have consistently outlined that a lack of supply is the cause – not immigrants.

Indeed, Australia actually requires skilled migrant workers in the construction industry to build enough homes to alleviate the crisis.

“A universal challenge persists across social and community housing, rental properties, and home ownership – supply,” pointed out Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn back in April.

“Harnessing the skills of overseas-trained workers is critical to addressing Australia’s housing crisis,” she added.