Australian net overseas migration falls to lowest level since 2022 – but the Coalition says that’s still too high
Australian net overseas migration has dropped to its lowest level since 2022, though it remains above pre-pandemic averages. The government highlights this decline as a success, while the Coalition argues that current migration levels remain unsustainably high.
Why it matters
Migration is a central point of contention in Australian politics, impacting housing supply, infrastructure, and national economic policy.
Despite the increase in net overseas migration over the past few years, Australia’s population in mid-2025 was still about 350,000 less than Treasury predicted in the December 2019 mid-year budget. Photograph: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Despite the increase in net overseas migration over the past few years, Australia’s population in mid-2025 was still about 350,000 less than Treasury predicted in the December 2019 mid-year budget. Photograph: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian net overseas migration falls to lowest level since 2022 – but the Coalition says that’s still too high Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show migration growth is above pre-pandemic levels but tracking steadily down
The article presents both the government's defense of the data and the opposition's criticism, maintaining a balanced reporting style.
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