The federal government will increase the permanent migration intake from 160,000 to a record 195,000 places this year and speed up visas for foreign workers after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned of a backlog of almost 1 million people waiting for their applications to be decided.
- Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil increased the permanent migration intake by 35,000 to a record 195,000
- Immigration Minister Andrew Giles committed $36.1 million to clear a visa backlog of about 1 million.
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled out a mining tax
- Proposals from business and unions to expand paid parental leave or bring forward childcare fee relief were also ruled out.
