Coalition immigration cuts driven by One Nation, says Joyce

Speaking on Nine's Today program on Tuesday, Joyce congratulated the Coalition for "basically coming up with our policy" on migration. "There's a bit of a nuance in there, but yeah, what it shows [is] an endorsement of where One Nation's off to. We are moving the agenda. We are moving both the Labor Party, we're moving the Coalition," he said.

Sources have indicated the Coalition, led by spokesman Angus Taylor, is set to announce plans to cut the permanent migration intake to around one-third of its current level, a proposal that mirrors One Nation's longstanding position. The move is seen as an attempt by the opposition to reclaim ground on border security and population policy ahead of the next federal election.

Joyce's remarks openly acknowledge the influence of the minor party on Coalition policy, a dynamic that has repeatedly shaped Australian political debate on immigration. The comments also put pressure on Labor, which has maintained a higher migration cap since returning to office.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The Coalition's adoption of One Nation-style immigration cuts could shift the entire political debate to the right ahead of the next election.
A two-thirds reduction in permanent migration would have significant economic and demographic impacts, particularly for sectors reliant on skilled overseas workers.
Joyce's frank admission that One Nation is setting the agenda challenges Coalition claims of independent policy-making and may hurt its appeal among moderate voters.

Background

Immigration levels have been a recurring flashpoint in Australian politics. The Coalition under former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison pursued restrictive policies, while Labor has favoured higher intakes to address labour shortages. One Nation has long campaigned for sharp reductions, arguing that high migration strains housing and infrastructure. The Coalition's new proposal represents a significant hardening of its position.

Key Perspectives

One Nation (Barnaby Joyce): Celebrated the Coalition's shift as proof that One Nation is driving policy on migration and influencing both major parties. Coalition (Angus Taylor): Has not publicly commented on Joyce's remarks but is expected to frame the cuts as necessary to ease housing pressure and restore sustainable population growth. Labor and business groups: Likely to argue that slashing migration will worsen skill shortages and damage economic growth, though they have not yet responded to Tuesday's developments.

What to Watch

Whether the Coalition formally endorses a specific numerical cap and how it differentiates its proposal from One Nation's.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response and whether Labor adjusts its own migration settings.
Polling on voter attitudes to immigration following this week's announcements.