Liberals to target international students and skilled migrants in proposed cuts to immigration

The Coalition is preparing to thrash out the design of a policy to significantly reduce immigration places

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Liberal MPs say skilled migration and international student numbers must be cut to reduce overseas arrivals into Australia, but have warned colleagues against demonising multicultural communities ahead of the next election.

The Coalition is preparing to thrash out the design of a policy to significantly cut immigration places, as the opposition leader, Sussan Ley, struggles to keep moderates and conservatives united. Ley and shadow ministers Jonathon Duniam and Paul Scarr want the policy debate before the end of the year, and could link places for overseas arrivals to capacity for home construction and health and education funding.