Coalition flags refugee intake cut, Labor holds 20,000 places

By Caleb Reed · 2026-08-28

Australia's humanitarian program is set at 20,000 places for 2026-27, up from the 13,750 ceiling the Coalition held in 2020-21.^[2] The opposition has signalled that the number of annual humanitarian places could fall again under its policy, without naming a figure.

Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume declined to commit to a target for the annual number of humanitarian places. "We will announce our migration mix closer to the election based on the number of houses that are built and we'll be responsive and responsible at the time based on the needs at the time," she said.^[4]

Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres defended the existing humanitarian program settings for 2026-27. "There's not a strong argument to move that figure. It's a small part of the overall migration program," Ayres said.^[5]

274,000 applicants were waiting in the humanitarian queue as at 31 December 2025, according to the Department of Home Affairs.^[1] Any reduction in the annual intake of humanitarian applicants would extend that wait for people in the queue.

Greens senator David Shoebridge attacked the refugee intake positions adopted by both major parties. Shoebridge said Labor had sided with One Nation by choosing cuts to the refugee intake, according to a Greens media release.^[3]

The Coalition has not confirmed a final policy figure ahead of the next federal election.

Caleb Reed

Caleb Reed covers breaking news and sport. He works to the rhythm of a story as it unfolds, and he is happiest when the facts arrive faster than anyone can spin them.