Liberal-National Coalition Proposes Migration Cuts and Construction Code Overhaul

The Liberal-National Coalition has pledged to reduce net overseas migration to under 180,000 people annually over the forward estimates to alleviate housing shortages. As part of a broader strategy to increase supply, Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg proposed reducing the 2,000-page national construction code to an 80-page basic Australian standard. Bragg argued that the current regulations make it "illegal to build a cheap safe house."

Under the proposal, structural, fire safety, and health requirements would remain compulsory, while other features, including energy efficiency, would become optional. Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson supported this flexibility, suggesting that some citizens could "put on a jumper" in winter instead of spending thousands of dollars on efficiency upgrades.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers dismissed the Coalition's plan as "late to the party," asserting that the government is already streamlining the code and will present a final plan to building ministers later this year. Chalmers also defended the housing market against claims of instability, stating that volatility over a few months should not be used to judge the market. The government's position comes amid criticism over a cooling housing market and a decline in home loan applications following May budget changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing.