New Opposition Leader Vows Immigration Cut in 1st Speech

The move comes amid a surge in support for One Nation.

Newly elected Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor speaks to the media during a press conference after a special party room meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 13, 2026. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

New Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor has pledged cutting migration numbers as the centerpiece of his vision for Australia.

Taylor defeated Sussan Ley in a battle for the Liberal leadership 34 votes to 17, on Feb. 13 with Victorian Senator Jane Hume now his deputy.

Taylor secured support from the right faction that he is apart of, along with unaligned and moderate MPs.

In his first press conference, Taylor said he would not only cut migrant numbers, but also potentially tighten criteria for settling in Australia.

“It is clear that numbers have been too high and standards have been too low. And our policy will be for lower numbers and for higher standards,” he said.

“But crucially, our policy will also be about putting Australians first and putting Australian values first. We want people who come to this country to believe in our core values: in democracy, in the rule of law, in our basic freedoms.”

Taylor’s pitch will directly compete with the now-surging One Nation, which has absorbed much of the Australian conservative support in recent months.

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation has called to cap visas at 130,000 per year to ease pressure on housing and infrastructure, as well as the deportation of 75,000 “illegal migrants.”

Taylor Hopes to Nurture Love For Country

Meanwhile, Taylor said under his leadership the Liberals would nurture love for country.

“We’ll focus things the unite us—family, community, and nation. And that revitalisation starts today,” he said.

Taylor also admitted that he had made some mistakes before the last election, especially in relation to tax.

“I’m particularly conscious that we got some big calls wrong especially on personal income tax, and it won’t happen again. If an election was held today, our party may not exist by the end of it,” he said.

“We’re in this position because we didn’t stay true to our core values, because we stopped listening to Australians, because we’re attracted to the politics of convenience rather than focusing on the politics of conviction. This ends today.”

First Big Test

The new opposition leader will face his first challenge soon with former leader Ley indicated she will resign, triggering a by-election in her vast rural electorate of Farrer within weeks.

The Liberals are expected to face a tough challenge from One Nation, which normally attracts strong regional support.

“One Nation will be contesting the by election in Farrer with a strong candidate that represents regional [New South Wales or NSW], the rural sector, and someone who understands the issues of the Murray Darling and water,” Hanson said on X.