With elections just around the corner, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday promised to cut migrant numbers and freeze refugee intake.
Morrison said his government would cap annual migrant numbers at 160,000 people per year for the next four years and freeze annual refugee intake at 18,750 people.
"Managing our population growth is very important to the quality of life that we have in our cities," he said during a Liberal party rally in Sydney on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Labor opposition intends to increase the refugee intake to 27,000 by 2025, with promises of increased spending for education, health and welfare.
On Sunday, its leader, Bill Shorten, promised A$4 billion worth of childcare to a million low-income families, including 15 hours a week of free pre-school, if elected.
The pace of migration and overcrowding of Australia's major cities is a sensitive issue amongst voters.
Hong Kong tower fire toll rises to 128, over 200 remain missing
Trump vows to freeze migration from 'third world countries' after DC attack
Rescuers step up recovery operations as Southeast Asia flood deaths reach 129
Cyclone Ditwah kills 46 in Sri Lanka, leaves 23 missing as rescue efforts continue
National Guard member dies as ambush in US capital becomes political flashpoint
