Australia to Keep Permanent Migration Intake at 185,000 After Tens of Thousands Rally

Burke confirmed the intake would stay steady at 185,000 places (same as 2024-25), pointing to the productivity benefits of a strong skilled stream.

Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Aug. 4, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Tens of thousands took to the streets over the weekend calling on the Albanese Labor government to slowdown the migration intake.

A day later Canberra revealed the permanent migration program to the country will stay at 185,000 for the 2025–26 year, the same as last year.