Albanese government's migration overhaul faces further delays - as Pauline Hanson calls for cuts

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 04:47, 16 August 2026 | Updated: 04:47, 16 August 2026 Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has said the Albanese government is still working through cabinet negotiations on its long-awaited migration overhaul, refusing to say when the package will be finalised. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Burke defended the decision to postpone his planned National Press Club address where he was expected to outline the reforms. 'We're going through a cabinet process, as we should,' Burke said.  'We're going through a detailed policy process where you look at every possible consequence.'  The package, now delayed, is expected to include tougher family visa rules, tighter restrictions on asylum seekers' work and appeal rights, and changes to working holiday visas as Labor seeks to further reduce migration levels. One proposal would prevent the spouses, children and parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents from applying for family visas while on tourist visas in Australia, forcing them to remain overseas while applications are processed.  Burke also confirmed working holiday visas were still being processed, but at a slower pace. 'At the moment, working holiday visas are still being processed, but they're being processed more slowly than they were previously,' he said.  Tony Burke (pictured) said migration changes were still being decided by the cabinet  Burke dismissed concerns the changes would significantly impact the agricultural sector, arguing the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme remains the main workforce source for farmers.  'The principal visa for the agricultural industry is actually part of the Pacific Workers Scheme,' Burke said.  He said some employers had shifted towards using backpacker labour after stronger protections were introduced for PALM workers. 'Some of the worst operators said, "Well, if we've got better standards for PALM workers, we'll just switch to backpackers". And that's not the way the system is meant to work,' he said.  Asked whether the reforms would be settled within weeks or months, Burke refused to set a deadline, saying 'We're talking about a cabinet process.'  The comments come as fresh Home Affairs data intensified scrutiny of Australia's asylum system.  More than 21,600 protection visa applications were lodged in 2025-26, while nearly 28,000 claims were finalised, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. About 85 per cent were rejected, and the number of failed asylum seekers still living in Australia has surpassed 111,000.  Pauline Hanson (pictured) has called for permanent migration levels to be cut to 130,000  The figures also show at least 230 British citizens sought asylum in Australia during the year, despite the UK being seen as a stable democracy.  Burke's remarks also come as both the Coalition and One Nation push for deeper migration cuts.  Speaking to News24 on Sunday, Hanson said Australia should focus on genuine skills shortages rather than keeping migration levels high. 'If you're going to bring in skilled migrants, make sure they are the skills that we need,' she said. She also renewed calls to cut international student numbers, arguing some students were using education visas as a path to permanent residency. 'They're using it as a back door to get into the country,' Hanson said. Asked directly whether student numbers should be cut, Hanson replied: 'Yes, we do.'  The One Nation leader also reaffirmed her proposal to block visitor visas from countries subject to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 'do not travel' warnings.  The Albanese government is yet to confirm when it will unveil its overhaul to migration rules  'I'm here to protect the wellbeing of the Australian people so they feel safe on the streets of Australia,' Hanson said.  'If we have to take the tough stance on this, we will.'  The federal government's Smartraveller website currently advises Australians not to travel to countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, North Korea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to extreme safety risks.  'Do not travel' is the highest advisory notice issued by Smartraveller, warning tourists that their life and safety would be at 'extreme risk' in those locations.