Andrew Bragg, the Liberal Party’s shadow minister for housing and homelessness, outlined plans for the Coalition to reduce net overseas migration (NOM) to approximately 180,000 per year under a future government. Speaking at the National Press Club, Bragg emphasized that the proposed target aligns with the pace of home construction, which has averaged between 173,000 and 180,000 annually. He cited data showing that over 174,000 dwellings were completed between March 2025 and March 2026, suggesting that the exact NOM figure would be finalized closer to the 2028 election based on updated construction numbers. Bragg argued that reducing NOM from the current level, above 300,000, as forecasted by the budget to decline to 225,000 by 2027-28, would address a growing imbalance between housing supply and population growth. He noted that since the Labor government took office in mid-2022, the gap between the number of houses built and the number of people entering the country had grown to between 350,000 and 400,000 annually. To close this gap, he stated, a NOM of around 180,000 would be necessary over the forward estimates period. The proposed reduction, according to Bragg, is feasible and comparable to past adjustments. He referenced the 2019 budget, which saw NOM drop from 300,000 to 175,000 within 18 months. Achieving such a cut, he said, would involve targeted changes to the types of migrants welcomed, including modest reductions in international students, working holidaymakers, and some unskilled workers. The goal, he explained, would be to prioritize highly skilled professionals, particularly in construction, over roles such as pastry chefs. In addition to migration reform, Bragg proposed simplifying the National Construction Code, which currently spans over 2,000 pages, to an 80-page "basic Australian standard." This revised code would emphasize fundamental safety and structural requirements while removing mandates for features such as energy efficiency, accessible design elements, and reinforced walls. “Let people choose more stuff,” Bragg said. “I love energy efficiency. I’m really passionate about electrification. But why do we have to make it compulsory for everyone? It’s punitive for people on lower incomes.” Under the proposed framework, new homes would be required to be structurally sound, resistant to collapse or fire, and equipped with essential amenities such as windows in rooms. However, additional features would remain optional, allowing homeowners greater flexibility in customization. Bragg, known as one of the few moderates in the parliamentary Liberal Party, expressed criticism toward the former Coalition government, acknowledging its failures and expressing regret for not opposing excessive spending policies. He praised former leaders Bob Hawke and Peter Walsh for their fiscal discipline, noting their success in reducing federal spending from 27.5% of GDP to 22.9% in five years. Despite Bragg’s detailed presentation, uncertainty remained regarding the official stance of the Coalition. While Bragg confirmed the proposed migration cap, his colleague, Opposition Treasury spokesperson Tim Wilson, hesitated to endorse the specific figure, stating that the party had not yet finalized its position ahead of the upcoming election. Wilson emphasized the need to focus on long-term economic growth rather than immediate migration targets. Labor’s Housing Minister Clare O'Neil dismissed Bragg’s proposals as unrealistic, calling the speech a “crazed, almost manic ideological fever dream.” She criticized the idea of reducing the National Construction Code to 80 pages, arguing that builders found the notion absurd. Meanwhile, the government has been working on streamlining the code, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers indicating that a final proposal would soon be presented to the building minister. Bragg also proposed the creation of a federal pattern book of model homes that could receive automatic state and territory approvals, aiming to expedite the construction process. His remarks underscored a broader push for regulatory reforms aimed at improving housing affordability and supply, though they sparked sharp divisions between the parties on both migration policy and construction standards.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Australia
