Opposition Pledges to Reduce Migrant Intake by 25% for Two Years in Budget 2024
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton highlighted the Coalition’s strengths in response to Tuesday’s Budget, focusing on issues like crime and immigration.
Leader of the Liberal-National Party (LNP) Coalition, Peter Dutton, criticized Labor’s 2024 Budget as one of the most irresponsible in his 22-year parliamentary career, warning that it sets the country on a perilous path.
He singled out the cost of living and inflation as critical concerns, attributing the 12 interest rate hikes to the government’s overspending and reckless energy policies.
Crime, immigration, small businesses, and law and order were the main points of emphasis in his reply to the Labor government’s recent Budget announcement, highlighting areas of strength for the Coalition.
Dutton criticized Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ spending plan as “magic pudding,” specifically calling out the proposed $13.7 billion corporate welfare for green hydrogen and critical minerals.
He voiced concerns over Labor’s interference and regulatory hurdles choking the economy and hindering business growth, promising to bring back certainty for small businesses by reverting to the previous Coalition government’s definition of a casual worker.
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Competitive policy under the Coalition would prioritize consumers and small businesses over big corporations and lobbyists, although specifics were not provided.
Nuclear Power a Central Aspect of Energy Policy
Dutton reaffirmed the Coalition’s commitment to integrating nuclear power into the country’s energy mix, citing its ability to maximize energy yield and minimize environmental impact per square meter.
He outlined plans to construct nuclear plants on decommissioned or retiring coal-fired power plant sites to leverage existing grid infrastructure.
He criticized the proposal of installing millions of solar panels, wind farms, and new transmission infrastructure, questioning the necessity of such a massive investment.
Further details on the nuclear power plan are anticipated to be released in the coming months.
Dutton also reiterated the Coalition’s policy of enabling individuals to access their superannuation for housing deposits and unveiled new initiatives to address housing shortages.
Two-Year Reduction in Migration and Foreign Buyers
He highlighted the discrepancy between the influx of new immigrants and the housing construction rate, proposing a recalibration of the migration program to free up housing stock.
Plans include reducing permanent migration by 25% in the first two years, banning foreign investors and temporary residents from buying existing homes, and adjusting refugee and humanitarian program levels.
Decrease in Foreign Student Intake
Dutton pledged to reduce the number of foreign students in metropolitan universities to alleviate pressure on rental markets in major cities, emphasizing the goal of restoring home ownership dreams.
He assured that rebalancing the migration program and taking decisive action on the housing crisis would generate over 100,000 additional homes in five years.
While some restrictions would be imposed, such as limiting criminal online activities, granting more work hours to specific groups like student visa holders and pensioners, and addressing GP shortages, Dutton underscored the Coalition’s commitment to implementing effective policies across various sectors.
