Leaked document reveals Coalition plan to slash net overseas immigration by half

A leaked confidential document has revealed that the Coalition is weighing a plan to dramatically cut Australia’s annual immigration levels. Under the leadership of Angus Taylor, who took over after a major leadership change in early 2026, the opposition is looking at setting a new target of between 150,000 and 200,000 people per year. This would be a massive drop—nearly half—from the current rate, which saw more than 300,000 people arrive in the previous financial year.

The document, which serves as a “roadmap” for the next election, shows that the Coalition is trying to get ahead of the game. They want their full policy platform ready by February 2027 just in case an early election is called. By floating these specific numbers, they are positioning themselves to the right of the Labor government but staying slightly more moderate than parties like One Nation, which wants even deeper cuts. The main argument being put forward is that Australia needs to slow down so the country can “absorb” the growth, specifically pointing to the pressure on housing, public services, and community cohesion.

This move is part of a broader strategy to win back voters in key seats, especially after a tough loss in the 2025 election. However, some within the party are worried that a hardline stance on immigration might further alienate groups like Chinese Australians, who have moved away from the Coalition in recent years. Beyond just immigration, the leaked papers show Taylor is also looking at ways to shrink the size of the government workforce and push for faster housing construction, all while trying to project an image of a “ready-to-go” alternative government.