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Immigration And Australian Federal Election Campaign Promises

We are now on the cusp of the Federal Election, which is fast approaching this weekend. The outcome is expected to shape the direction of the migration program, but we remain cautious about whether the initiatives will be fully implemented. Here’s a summary of the major parties’ campaign promises to get an understanding of the potential impact on immigration policies:

Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 1 May 2025

The NOM (Net Overseas Migration) refers to the difference between the number of people leaving and arriving in Australia, including people on Temporary and Permanent Visas. A NOM reduction may impact various visas, including Skilled Visas.

As Australia faces a housing crisis part of the election focus has been on immigration levels, despite leading migration experts casting doubt on whether a reduced Permanent Migration Intake will free up more housing.

Other pertinent questions, such as whether we are getting the right skills into Australia, appear to be overlooked. For example, if boosting the housing supply indeed requires an additional 130,000 construction workers, both parties seem to be missing an opportunity to share how skilled migration policies can better support this industry.

Established in 1988, Interstaff has over 35 years of Australian visa and migration experience and provides strategic immigration advice to businesses and individuals Australia-wide and internationally. MARN: 0533879.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.