Opposition is intensifying over Australia’s migration settings after new figures suggested arrivals remain near record highs, prompting a fresh political clash over whether the government has delivered on its promises.
Pauline Hanson has accused Anthony Albanese of “breaking” a commitment to reduce migration, after analysis pointed to a sharp rise in long-term arrivals.
Data released this week by the Institute of Public Affairs, based on figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, found net permanent and long-term arrivals reached 494,540 in the 12 months to January 2026 – the highest level on record.
IPA senior fellow Kevin You said recent changes to visa settings had done little to curb the overall number of people entering the country for extended stays. “Recent claims that net overseas arrivals are coming down seek to mislead Australians into thinking that there are fewer migrants in the country than before. This is false,” he said. “The number of migrants in Australia is still growing to record levels month after month.”
Speaking on Wednesday, Senator Hanson said she was “shocked and angry” at the figures, describing them as “another broken promise” from the government.
“I’m shocked because Albanese went out and promised people he would reduce the numbers,” she said. “It’s another broken promise.”
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Albanese told parliament his government had reduced net migration by more than 40 per cent over the past year, a claim now being contested in light of the latest arrivals data.
Senator Hanson said she held both the Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke responsible for what she described as “skyrocketing” migration, arguing it was contributing to housing shortages and cost-of-living pressures.
“I come across people all the time who say it’s hard to get housing,” she said. “Pensioners, many women over 50, can’t get a house.”
She also questioned the government’s broader approach, suggesting migration levels were being driven by economic considerations.
“The more people they bring in, and they’re hoping they have money, will prop up businesses,” she said.
The figures cited relate to net permanent and long-term (NPLT) movement, which tracks border crossings and travellers’ stated intentions. This differs from net overseas migration, a separate measure that counts people who remain in Australia for at least 12 months over a 16-month period.
Despite her criticism, Senator Hanson acknowledged Australia still required skilled migrants, particularly in sectors such as construction and healthcare, but argued intake levels should be scaled back.
“We still need special skills, but stop in the interim to ensure standards of living and healthcare is addressed,” she said.
The federal government has not yet formally responded to the latest IPA analysis, but has previously argued that migration levels are moderating following a post-pandemic surge and remain essential to supporting the economy.
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