Joining the discussion on immigration, the Home Affairs and Immigration Minister, Tony Burke, addressed the opposition's net migration policy, which aims for a target of 100,000 in their first two years in office. Burke criticized this approach, stating it would be a disaster for Australia, particularly affecting skilled migrants needed in sectors like aged care, health, and construction. He emphasized that the current government has already reduced migration numbers by 45% from the peak and is continuing to manage them sensibly.

Burke also discussed the importance of legislation for an expression of interest system for student visas and measures to expedite the removal of asylum seekers. He highlighted the need for more control over the immigration system to benefit the Australian economy and criticized the opposition for not engaging in discussions to pass necessary legislation.

The conversation touched on past comments by Claire O'Neil regarding the state of the migration system, which she described as a mess due to years of neglect. Burke explained the challenges faced by the current government, including High Court decisions affecting community safety and the need to rebuild compliance measures dismantled by the previous government.

Burke reiterated the complexity of managing immigration effectively, likening it to plugging holes in a colander, and stressed the progress made towards a comprehensive system despite legislative hurdles.