Senior moderate figures within Australia’s Liberal Party have cautioned opposition treasury spokesman Angus Taylor against embracing what they describe as Trump-style immigration policies, urging the Coalition to maintain a distinctly Australian approach as it refines its migration platform ahead of the next federal election.

The warning follows comments by Taylor signalling support for tougher border enforcement measures and a sharper focus on reducing migration intake, remarks that some within the party believe risk aligning too closely with rhetoric associated with former US president Donald Trump.

While Taylor has emphasised the need for disciplined migration settings to ease pressure on housing, infrastructure and wages, moderate Liberals argue that adopting overtly confrontational language or highly restrictive policy models could alienate centrist voters in metropolitan electorates.

Party sources indicate the debate centres less on border security itself — an area where both moderates and conservatives broadly agree on maintaining strong protections — and more on tone, policy design and electoral positioning.

Moderates are said to be advocating for a calibrated framework that balances economic needs, skilled migration and humanitarian obligations, while avoiding policies that could be perceived as abrupt or ideologically driven.

Taylor has defended his position as focused on restoring order and sustainability to Australia’s migration system, pointing to record net overseas migration levels in recent years and the strain placed on housing supply and public services.

Supporters argue that clear and decisive leadership on migration is essential to rebuilding public confidence and ensuring long-term economic stability.

They also note that international comparisons are inevitable in a global debate over border management, but stress that any Australian policy would be tailored to domestic conditions.

The internal discussion reflects broader strategic considerations within the Liberal Party as it seeks to regain ground in urban seats while consolidating support in suburban and regional constituencies.

Analysts observe that migration has become a defining policy issue amid cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability challenges and labour market shifts.

How the Coalition ultimately frames its approach may prove pivotal in shaping its electoral appeal across diverse voter blocs.

With policy development ongoing, senior party figures have emphasised the importance of unity and disciplined messaging, underscoring that migration reform will remain central to the Coalition’s economic and social agenda in the months ahead.