‘You can’t have it both ways’: Jane Hume hits out at Labor as Mark Butler defends sweeping migration changes

Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume has accused the Albanese Government of trying to “have it both ways” on migration, as Health Minister Mark Butler defended Labor’s plan to slash the number of migrants coming to Australia.

The fiery exchange came just a day after the government announced a sweeping migration crackdown targeting working holidaymakers, international students, family visas and people overstaying their visas.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Migration crackdown sparks business backlash over regional worker cuts

Despite migrants coming to work in construction, farming, fisheries, mining and teaching being prioritised, the plan has drawn criticism from business and agricultural groups who worry the changes could leave regional industries struggling to find workers.

The Coalition has pushed back against Labor’s proposed changes to further reduce migration, with the government seeking additional legislative powers to deliver some of its planned measures.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has warned that pushing migration numbers significantly lower could have serious consequences for the economy, while arguing the government needs greater control over the migration system.

Hume seized on the apparent contradiction, questioning how Labor could warn of the economic consequences of lower migration while pushing to reduce the numbers.

“Yesterday, Tony Burke said that any lower number would crush the economy. But he also said in the same breath that he needed the legislative powers in order to make it lower, and that the Coalition weren’t willing to help.

“You can’t have it both ways. Which is it? Are you going to crash the economy with lower numbers, which is what Australians are looking for? Or are you simply waiting for the Coalition to assist you?

“And if you are, show us the legislation that would allow us to assist you because we’re not going to do it on your word. You’ve broken your word too many times.”

Butler defended the government’s approach, saying Labor was trying to strike a balance between reducing migration and meeting critical workforce shortages.

“I think what these groups are talking about are what I think are some pretty reasonable controls on the number of backpackers who stay for two or three years,” Butler said.

“We’ve had to do that to be able to focus our efforts and target workers, the skilled workers, that are in very high demand in sectors like construction, in health care, in agriculture, in resources and law enforcement.”

But Hume argued the government’s proposed cuts risked hurting industries that rely heavily on temporary workers, particularly in regional Australia.