Source : Perth Now news
Pauline Hanson has declared she doesn’t care if migration cuts affect Australian businesses despite a warning from the sector that Labor’s proposed visa crackdown could pose risks to the economy.
This week, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled a speech expected to contain a suite of measures to cut Australia’s net overseas migration, including restricting the families of Australian citizens from applying for family visas.
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar subsequently warned against taking drastic measures, warning it could exacerbate skill shortages in key sectors.
“We are seeing net overseas migration numbers trending down,” he said, referring to recent tweaks to student visas.
“We should continue on that pathway to get to sustainable levels.
“We don’t need to shoot ourselves in the foot unnecessarily by doing something that is draconian and goes too far.”
One Nation’s permanent migration target is 130,000 compared with Labor’s 185,000 intake announced in the May budget.
Though Senator Hanson told News24 this figure would be subject to annual review, when asked about the government’s proposed migrant cuts, she insisted Australia needed “a breather”.
“I don’t care what people think. Whether it’s going to affect their businesses (because) they’re not going to sell that many products,” she said on Thursday.
“Or the universities, because they won’t have the number of foreign students coming in here. I don’t care.
“My concern is for those Australians that can’t get a roof over their head and a decent standard of living and way of life.”
Mr Burke’s speech, which was due to be held at the National Press Club, is expected to be rescheduled.
A spokesman for the minister confirmed the cancellation was due to Mr Burke’s remarks not being ready.
“The speech will deal with the migration system as a whole,” they said.
