The Australian government has moved to block a proposed reduction in its annual refugee intake, overriding plans to slash the quota by nearly a third to levels last seen under the previous administration. Reports revealed the home affairs minister had intended to lower the intake from 20,000 to around 13,750 for the following financial year, sparking backlash from Labor lawmakers and refugee support groups. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has since confirmed the intake will remain unchanged, dismissing the proposed cuts. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the government over immigration policy ahead of key decisions.
Prime minister intervenes amid anger at news Tony Burke was planning to cut intake of 20,000 arrivals by a thirdFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAnthony Albanese has guaranteed Australia’s annual refugee intake will not be cut next financial year, shutting down plans for the arrivals quota to drop by one-third to Coalition-era levels.Labor MPs and refugee advocates reacted angrily to news on Thursday morning that the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, was planning to cut intake of 20,000 arrivals to 13,750 in 2027-28. Continue reading...
