A Bendigo-based migration agent has raised concerns about proposed changes to Australia’s migration system, saying the federal government’s planned reduction in net migration could create uncertainty for people already in Australia.

The issue was included in ABC’s Central Victoria local news briefing published on Friday, 18 September 2026. The report said registered migration agent Philip West believes the government is responding to ongoing political pressure surrounding migration and that proposed changes could be confronting for people whose plans have been based on the existing visa settings.

The federal government has announced measures aimed at reducing net migration, including changes affecting backpackers and families of international students. The plans also include a ballot system for working holiday visa holders seeking to remain in Australia for longer than one year.

For people currently in Australia on temporary visas, changes to migration rules can affect decisions involving employment, education, family arrangements and longer-term residency planning. The potential impact varies according to the individual visa category and the final rules adopted by the government.

The Bendigo-based migration agent's comments highlight concerns about the transition period for people who have made plans under existing arrangements. Migration rules can change through legislation, regulations and administrative settings, meaning people affected by proposed changes may need to monitor official announcements and determine how the changes apply to their individual circumstances.

The issue also has implications for regional industries. Australia’s temporary migration system could affect regional sectors that depend on seasonal workers. Citrus Australia chief executive Nathan Hancock said greater clarity and industry briefings would be needed for businesses affected by the proposed changes.

Agriculture is particularly relevant to regional areas because some farming operations rely on seasonal labour during planting and harvesting periods. Tourism and other industries can also use temporary workers to meet demand at particular times of the year.

For Bendigo and Central Victoria, the migration debate therefore extends beyond individual visa holders. Regional employers, education providers and industries that rely on workers from overseas can also be affected by changes to temporary migration arrangements.

The federal government’s proposed policies are part of a broader effort to change migration levels and the composition of temporary migration. The exact effects will depend on how the announced measures are implemented and which visa holders are covered by the final arrangements.

The ABC report did not state that the proposed changes had already taken effect. They should therefore be understood as proposed or announced policy changes rather than completed changes to every affected visa category.

The Bendigo connection in this story comes from the migration agent interviewed by ABC, while the broader policy changes apply nationally. The concerns expressed by the agent represent his assessment of the possible effects on people currently in Australia and should be distinguished from confirmed outcomes.

As of 18 September 2026, the issue remains an active national policy development with potential implications for regional communities and industries, including those in Central Victoria.