Politics · Australia · 1 day ago
Former Tasmanian premier criticises Liberal immigration cut plan
Former Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein has criticised the Liberal Party’s new plan to cut immigration to Australia.
The party, led by Angus Taylor, says its policy puts Australians first, while Gutwein argues that reducing migration is not a solution to the country’s deeper problems.
He says Australia needs working-age people to fill jobs, support services and pay taxes as more people retire.
Australia’s population is ageing, and the number of people over 70 is expected to pass 4 million in the next three years.
Gutwein also warns that blaming migrants for issues such as housing costs and pressure on hospitals could damage social cohesion.
He accepts that the party can argue for policy changes, but says the focus should be on fixing structural problems rather than cutting migrant numbers.
Former Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein says the Liberal Party’s proposed immigration cuts would harm Australia’s economy and social fabric.
Liberal leader Angus Taylor presents the policy as putting Australians first, according to Gutwein.
Gutwein argues Australia needs working-age migrants as its population ages and more people retire.
He says blaming migrants for problems such as high housing costs and pressure on hospitals is economically weak and socially irresponsible.
The article describes the proposal as the biggest cut to immigration in Australian history.
- Who
- Former Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein criticises a Liberal Party immigration policy. Liberal leader Angus Taylor is identified as presenting the policy.
- What
- Gutwein says the proposed immigration cut would harm the economy and social fabric.
- When
- October 11, 2026, the date shown in the article.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- Gutwein says Australia needs working-age migrants as its population ages, and argues that blaming migrants for structural problems will not fix them.
Peter Gutwein
Liberal Party
Immigration policy
Peter Gutwein
Gutwein says cutting migration would harm Australia’s economy and social fabric.
Liberal Party
Taylor presents the policy as putting Australians first.
I am a migrant.
We need to fix the problems, not find someone to blame.
Gutwein attended a national cabinet meeting, according to the caption accompanying his photograph.
Gutwein’s opinion article criticising the Liberal Party’s immigration policy was published.
- Critic
- Peter Gutwein, former Tasmanian premier
- Policy
- Liberal Party proposal to cut immigration
- Party leader
- Angus Taylor
- Population projection
- Australians aged over 70 are expected to pass 4 million in the next three years
- Ageing projection
- Over-65s are expected to outnumber under-15s within a decade
- Article date
- October 11, 2026
Sources
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