Libs try to allay fears over immigration

The coalition is trying to hose down fears any plans it has to cut migration may leave business without enough workers.

Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison appeared to be in damage control on Wednesday and was forced to pacify the business community, as well as clarify comments relating to temporary visas.

And some colleagues have questioned what they believe amounts to the floating of new policy without approval by shadow cabinet or the broader party room.

'State of chaos'

Immigration Minister Chris Evans seized on apparent divisions over the issue.

"The federal opposition's attempts to formulate a migration policy is in a complete state of chaos and confusion and has been slammed by the business community," Senator Evans said in a statement.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has taken a softer line than Mr Morrison, suggesting the immigration intake would ebb and flow depending on annual circumstances.

"Now, in good years, numbers ought to go up," he told ABC TV.

"In bad years, numbers ought to go down."

'Liveability' paramount

Queensland Liberal frontbencher Steve Ciobo told Sky News it wasn't necessarily about cutting the number of migrants.

"It is about making sure that infrastructure investment and the liveability of our cities matches the increase in numbers," he said.

Mr Morrison has been highly critical of the government's population policy since Prime Minister Kevin Rudd appointed Tony Burke to the new portfolio to develop a strategy to deal with a burgeoning Australia.

On Tuesday, Mr Morrison flagged a cut in immigration under a coalition government, saying the current level of net overseas migration of 300,000 was unsustainable.

Visa reductions

Mr Morrison a day later reportedly signalled plans for a reduction in all types of temporary immigration visas.

Business has baulked at any cut in migration that would limit workers coming into Australia.

"If we are going to make that choice to restrict migrants, over the years we are going to have to pay higher taxes to support an ageing population," Australian Industry Group chief Heather Ridout told ABC TV on Tuesday.

The negative reaction to his comments prompted Mr Morrison to call a number of peak business groups on Wednesday to clarify the coalition position.

'Productive conversations'

"I had a lot of productive conversations with associations today," Mr Morrison told AAP.

"It was a good opportunity to better understand each other."

The Australian Industry Group was not available to comment on the discussions.

Mr Morrison also had to make clear media comments about reducing migrant numbers did not refer to people coming to Australia on temporary visas of less than 12 months.

"The suggestion that the level of net overseas migration be reduced to more sustainable levels does not include groups on temporary visas less than 12 months," he said in a statement.

There was another problem for the increasingly visible immigration spokesman too.

Some colleagues expressed concern over what they believe has been the announcement of policy by Mr Morrison without the authority of the opposition leader's office.

Abbott approval expected

"This has been announced under whose authority?" one Liberal frontbencher asked.

It is believed that any policy announcement has to get the tick-off from Mr Abbott's office.

But Mr Morrison denied his comments amounted to new policy.

"All I have said is a statement of the obvious," he said.

"No one is suggesting 300,000 is a permanent net migration intake.

"I haven't made a policy announcement, I've made a simple observation."