Australian Immigration Down

The annual intake of permanent migrants to Australia has fallen to its lowest level since 2007. Australia took in 20,000 fewer permanent migrants than in the previous financial year, as 12,000 skilled visas weren't issued and the number of family visas dropped by 8,000. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says the cut is partly due to the government listening to "community concerns" but migrant and business groups say the reduction in the intake could have negative consequences.

Peter Dutton says the government has restored the "integrity" of Australia's migration program. (AAP) Source: AAP