Australia announces new visa curbs for students and backpackers

Australia has announced major changes to its immigration rules, targeting international students, working visa holders, and backpackers through a temporary visa clampdown.

Visa Changes

Under the new rules, the families of international students are now barred from joining them, and a new ballot system has been introduced for backpackers. These steps are part of a broader effort to lower migration numbers.

Political Debate

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers claimed that the opposition Liberal Party's migration policy is determined by the One Nation party. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denied giving a reference for a sacked Labor staffer. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke warned that cutting migration too much would damage the national economy. Burke also dismissed accusations of any tension between himself, the Prime Minister, and the Treasurer, while strongly attacking One Nation's push for net-negative migration during a speech at the Press Club.