Senator McLachlan Endorses Bragg's Controversial Housing and Migration Proposals

Liberal Senator Andrew McLachlan has publicly supported Andrew Bragg’s proposals to overhaul Australia’s national construction code and significantly reduce net overseas migration, urging his colleagues to ‘follow his lead’ after a speech that has sparked debate and criticism.

Bragg Proposes Lower Migration Targets and Relaxed Building Codes

At the National Press Club on Wednesday, Bragg outlined a plan to decrease annual net overseas migration from approximately 300,000 to below 180,000, arguing this would better align with housing construction rates. He also suggested making energy efficiency standards within the national construction code voluntary.

Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson dismissed Bragg’s migration figure as “personal views” and “not to be banked,” while opposition leader Angus Taylor privately cautioned frontbenchers about relying on the proposed targets.

Despite criticism from some colleagues, including moderates like Senator Paul Scarr, McLachlan praised Bragg’s speech as a “masterclass in thought leadership” and a crucial step towards developing a comprehensive policy suite. Scarr, who previously censured Pauline Hanson, also described the speech as ‘terrific’ and ‘high-level’.

However, other Liberal MPs have expressed frustration over Bragg’s intervention, citing a lack of discipline within the party. Bragg defended his proposals, stating the need for “ambitious policy for tomorrow” and arguing that voters deserve more than short-term political announcements.