Australia's New Minister Faces Challenges in Immigration & Visa Policies | Australia Immigration News

In a recent cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Tony Burke to manage a new 'super portfolio' that combines home affairs and immigration.

Burke, previously the minister for employment and workplace relations, will now tackle two of the most politically challenging areas under one portfolio. This move is aimed at addressing immigration issues while maintaining momentum against the Coalition for the upcoming federal election.

Despite this change, uncertainty looms over student and skilled visa policies. The former immigration department deputy secretary expressed concerns that the reshuffle, while addressing some immigration issues, leaves many questions unanswered regarding the future of these visa programs. The new minister faces the complex task of managing these policies amidst ongoing controversy and the need for a clear long-term vision for the university sector.

The reshuffle also includes significant changes in other ministerial positions. Murray Watt will take on employment and workplace relations, Julie Collins will move from housing to agriculture, and Malarndirri McCarthy will replace Linda Burney as Indigenous Australians minister. Clare O’Neil and Andrew Giles, previously handling home affairs and immigration, will transition to housing and skills training, respectively.

Universities and stakeholders are particularly concerned about recent visa fee increases and the government's cap on international student numbers. These changes have sparked criticism and highlight the need for a strategic approach to international education. Additionally, the reshuffle includes moving the nation's top spy agency, ASIO, to the attorney-general's department, signaling a shift in managing national security and immigration.

The opposition has criticized the reshuffle, calling it a "shuffling of deck chairs" and questioning the government's handling of the High Court ruling that ended indefinite detention, which led to political controversy and media scrutiny.