Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee

Sue Lines

I remind senators that yesterday evening after 6.30 pm a division was called on the following motion moved by Senator Hanson relating to a proposed reference to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee:

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 10 February 2025:

The failure of the Albanese Government's immigration policies to manage population growth and protect Australians' interests, with particular reference to:

(a) the Government's failure to meet immigration targets and the impact of allowing record numbers of migrants into the country without adequate planning;

(b) the role of mass immigration in driving up housing costs, worsening the rental crisis and locking Australians out of homeownership;

(c) the unchecked influx of international students and the strain this placing on housing and services;

(d) the strain on infrastructure, essential services and the environment caused by rapid, immigration-driven population growth;

(e) the lack of clear and accountable processes for managing visa programs, including the Government's failure to enforce promised restrictions;

(f) the uneven impact of immigration, creating unsustainable pressure on cities while diverting resources away from rural and regional areas and stifling their development;

(g) the failure to address critical skills shortages through alternative methods, such as increasing apprenticeship subsidies and investing in local workforce development, instead of relying on high immigration; and

(h) any other related matters.

I understand it suits the convenience of the Senate for the deferred vote to be held now. The question is that the deferred vote, as moved by Senator Hanson, be agreed to.