Australia's Immigration: What the 2025 Election Means for Skilled Migration

Introduction: The State of Australian Immigration Today

Australia's immigration system has long been central to the nation’s social and economic development. While recent efforts have brought some improvements, deep-rooted structural issues and politically driven decisions continue to hinder progress. As Australia approaches its next federal election, immigration policy is once again in the spotlight — and Australians deserve a system that works fairly, efficiently, and strategically for the nation’s future.

Labor’s Immigration Reforms: Progress and Limitations

Upon taking office in 2022, the Labor Government inherited an immigration system in disarray. Years of neglect had left behind massive visa backlogs, poor client service, and a deeply embedded security-focused culture within immigration operations.

Key Achievements by Labor

• Addressed visa application backlogs and reinstated some immigration compliance functions.
• Regularised status for Temporary Protection Visa holders and improved the humanitarian program.
• Resolved long-standing issues for New Zealand citizens and introduced targeted reforms in skilled migration and worker protections.
• Launched critical reviews to guide long-term immigration reforms.

Persistent Challenges

• Immigration administration remains under-resourced and overly influenced by security priorities.
• Service delivery for citizenship and partner visa applicants continues to suffer from unacceptable delays.
• Structural problems, including the flawed integration of immigration into the Department of Home Affairs, remain unaddressed.
• Labor has doubled down on questionable measures, such as dual citizenship deprivation, and failed to act decisively on emerging issues like skyrocketing net migration and international student policy.

Coalition’s Track Record and Future Promises

The Coalition’s history with immigration policy is marked by restrictive measures, administrative failures, and a focus on political point-scoring over sustainable reform.

Issues During Coalition's Tenure

• Oversaw the largest backlog in asylum seeker cases and weakened compliance enforcement.
• Encouraged visa-for-sale schemes and oversaw system-wide integrity failures.
• Proposed severe restrictions on Australian citizenship, aiming to create permanent second-class residents.
• Attempted to privatize Australia’s immigration IT systems — a move blocked after public outcry.

Likely Approach for the Next Election

• Promises to slash migration numbers and cut humanitarian and student visa intakes.
• Focus on border security rhetoric, reminiscent of U.S.-style populist tactics.
• Continued endorsement of the failing Home Affairs mega-department despite widespread evidence of its dysfunction.

What Australia Needs: A Roadmap for Better Immigration Policy

Australia urgently requires a comprehensive and forward-thinking immigration strategy. Both major parties must rise above short-term politics and commit to meaningful reforms that serve national interests.

Key Policy Demands:

• Establish a dedicated Department of Immigration to handle all facets of migration policy independently and effectively.
• Ensure high-quality policy development based on evidence, not fear-based narratives.
• Deliver reliable and timely client service, with clear targets for visa and citizenship processing.
• Address long-standing structural flaws in migration administration and policy coherence.

Final Thoughts: Time for a Reset

Australia’s future depends on an immigration system that is fair, transparent, and responsive to national needs — not one mired in bureaucracy or political gamesmanship. The upcoming election is a crucial moment to demand better from both sides of politics.

For expert guidance on navigating Australian immigration policies or to understand how these political developments may affect you, book a consultation here.