One Nation Immigration Policy Confusion: Party Leader Corrects MP's Statement

MP Statement and Leader Correction

One Nation MP David Farley told ABC's Insiders program on the 23rd that while the party's net migration target is 130,000 per year, an additional minimum of 100,000 people would be needed, including skilled workers, working holiday visa holders, and Pacific Island workers. He argued these should be considered a separate category from "true immigration."

Farley estimated approximately 40,000 of the additional workers would be Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme participants, with 70,000 being skilled workers such as aged care nurses. He emphasized that "the actual numbers are not too different from the government's plan, but what matters is where immigrants are needed," stressing demand in agriculture, engineering, and mining sectors rather than major cities.

Party leader Pauline Hanson effectively corrected Farley's statement later that day via social media, reaffirming that "One Nation's policy is to reduce net overseas migration to 130,000." Hanson stated that "short-term seasonal agricultural workers do not meet the ABS residency criteria and are not included in net overseas migration figures."

Net Overseas Migration Calculation Method

In reality, seasonal workers who reside in Australia for 12 months or more within a 16-month period are included in net overseas migration statistics. Net overseas migration is calculated as the difference between arrivals and departures who reside domestically or abroad for 12 months or more within a 16-month period, including Australians moving overseas or returning home, but excluding short-term visitors such as tourists.

Net overseas migration differs from permanent migration, which measures long-term visas provided to skilled workers and their families. The permanent migration ceiling for this financial year is 185,000.

Party Positions and Current Situation

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam criticized One Nation for having "turned one number, 130,000, into at least six different immigration policies" and "having great difficulty answering the most basic question about how many migrants would actually come to Australia under One Nation's policy."

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said "Farley's comments suggest One Nation now agrees with the government's approach, which is clearly welcome."

Net overseas migration figures, which surged after the pandemic, have recently returned to typical levels. Last financial year's net overseas migration was projected at 295,000 but actually reached 301,000. The government forecasts a decline to 245,000 in 2026-27 and 225,000 in 2027-28.

The Coalition has not provided a precise net overseas migration target, though Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor has suggested it would be "well below 200,000." One Nation's official immigration policy proposes a 130,000 visa cap, a figure that could result in negative net migration.

Farley's electorate, Farrer in southwestern New South Wales, relies on immigrant workers in aged care and food processing sectors. Farley stated that more than two-thirds of workers at his electorate's abattoirs and processing facilities are immigrants.

Source: The Guardian