The federal government's delay of a much-anticipated speech heralding Australia's immigration crackdown has been met with criticism from conservative counterparts. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was due to speak at the National Press Club on Thursday, where he was expected to announce rules to cut net overseas migration. Mr Burke was widely expected to announce changes that would likely tighten laws on working holidays and family visa applications, deterring short-term migration. Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam said the decision to delay the speech had caused "chaos and confusion" for the Australian public. Labor kept the permanent migration target steady at 185,000 for the 2025/26 financial year, in line with 2024/25, though the country has consistently blown out its migration targets.