One Nation MP David Farley has acknowledged that his party’s net migration target is ‘not too different’ from Labor’s once rural workforce numbers are included. This admission comes after Farley emphasized the importance of skilled workers and backpackers in sustaining Australia’s agricultural sector, proposing they be treated as a distinct category from general migration.
KEY FACTS
- One Nation MP David Farley stated the party’s migration target is similar to Labor’s when rural workers are included.
- Farley argued for 100,000 migrant rural workers in addition to a 130,000 general migration target.
- He described the 130,000 figure as the ‘true’ net migration number.
- Farley made these remarks on ABC’s Insiders program, where he was previously counselled by party leader Pauline Hanson.
How does this affect Australia’s immigration debate?
Farley’s comments highlight a tension within One Nation over immigration policy. While the party has traditionally advocated for lower migration levels, his insistence on separating rural workers suggests a pragmatic approach to addressing labor shortages in agriculture. This could signal a shift in how minor parties balance economic needs with anti-immigration rhetoric.
What’s the political fallout?
The remarks may create friction within One Nation, given Farley’s previous reprimand from Hanson. They also blur the lines between major and minor party policies on immigration, potentially complicating voter distinctions ahead of elections. The emphasis on rural workforce needs reflects broader concerns about food security and regional development.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- Farley conceded One Nation’s migration numbers align closely with Labor’s when rural workers are counted separately
- He proposes treating 100,000 agricultural migrants as distinct from the 130,000 general migration cap
Still unconfirmed:
- Whether One Nation’s leadership fully endorses Farley’s revised migration calculations
- How Labor will respond to this characterization of their policy similarities
- The exact methodology for distinguishing rural workers in official migration statistics
WHY IT MATTERS
Immigration remains a heated political issue in Australia, with debates over economic benefits versus infrastructure pressures. Farley’s comments reveal how even traditionally anti-immigration parties must grapple with sector-specific labor shortages. The agricultural sector’s reliance on migrant workers makes this a persistent policy challenge.
WHAT TO WATCH
Responses from One Nation leadership and whether this signals a policy shift will clarify the party’s position. Monitoring how other parties address rural workforce needs in their migration target proposals will also be telling. For more on Australian policy debates, see our war-geopolitics coverage.
Meta description: One Nation MP David Farley suggests his party’s migration target aligns with Labor’s when rural workers are counted separately, highlighting agriculture’s labor needs.