Prominent members of Australia's fast-growing technology sector have voiced fears that a Peter Dutton prime ministership could be disastrous for fledgling and established companies, arguing that a tougher stance on immigration and a lurch to the political right would make the country less appealing for overseas workers with in-demand skills.

The local tech sector has lobbied strongly for more open immigration policies to feed the rampant demand for senior technology leaders and build the capabilities of local workers. It broadly welcomed the replacement earlier this year of the 457 visa class with the Temporary Skill Shortage visa.