Labor denounces Dutton’s ‘savage’ plan to cut net overseas migration by 100,000 if elected

The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, on Wednesday framed his plan to immediately slash net overseas migration if elected as a solution to the country’s ongoing housing crisis. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Peter Dutton has said his government, if elected, would slash Australia’s net overseas migration levels by 100,000 – recommitting to the figure after months of confusion as the Coalition appeared to walk away from such a plan.

The Labor government claimed Dutton’s plan – if it amounted to a further cut on top of its current forecast – amounted to “savage cuts” which would affect skilled workers crucial to construction, aged care and tourism.