Answers to Questions

O'Neill defended the government's migration reforms, stating that visa holders must comply with the rules of their specific visa type. O'Neill argued that changes to the Working Holiday Maker program were necessary to ensure sustainability and prevent exploitation in regional labour markets. O'Neill highlighted the issue of 'visa hopping' among student visa holders, describing it as an unsustainable practice that creates a cohort of permanent temporary migrants. O'Neill asserted that the new ballot arrangements would improve transparency and fairness in visa allocation.

Collins argued that the government had lost control of the borders and was only now admitting that its migration program was unsustainable. Collins claimed that capping working holiday-maker visas would exacerbate workforce shortages in regional agriculture, potentially raising food prices by Christmas. Collins criticised the lack of consultation with farmers and linked the migration policies to broader economic issues including housing shortages and inflation. Collins also opposed the removal of the private health insurance rebate for seniors, arguing it would increase pressure on public hospitals and show contempt for older Australians.