Full Breakdown
One Nation’s Plan to Slash Temporary Visas Sparks Political and Economic Backlash
By Drooid · · How we work
One Nation’s Migration Reset Proposal
On September 15, 2026, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson announced a policy to cut 750,000 temporary visa holders over three years, aiming for a net-migration ceiling of 130,000—“less than half today’s levels.” The plan would sharply reduce international student numbers, bar families of skilled migrants from joining them, and rely on a three-year “reset” to achieve net-negative migration. No economic modelling has been released to quantify the impact on the Australian economy.
Industry and Political Pushback
The $53 billion higher-education sector warned that cuts to international students would undermine university finances. The Australian Tourism Industry Council warned that a loss of backpackers could jeopardise $3 billion in revenue and 20,000 jobs during the summer season. Richard Shannon, national farmer’s federation spokesperson, questioned how many backpackers are needed to sustain food production and affordable produce.
Opposition figures demanded a costed analysis.
Official Responses
The Coalition’s forthcoming immigration plan, promised within weeks, is said to be fully costed, according to Jonno Duniam.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If it’s going to hit the bottom line for a couple of months, but I think then it will improve, people’s quality of life will improve. Isn’t that what it’s about?” — Pauline Hanson
- “There has been the increasing tendency of our universities to market themselves to supply visas and permanent residency rather than degrees, and that needs to be dealt with ... instead of putting the costs on innocent industries, jobs in regional areas, and the overall health of our broader economy,” — Matt Canavan
- “Don’t just throw it out there and hide as they have,” — Jonno Duniam, home affairs spokesman