The federal government has dismissed the Coalition’s newly announced migration plan, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke today criticising it as ineffective and politically driven.
Responding to Opposition leader Angus Taylor’s announcement yesterday of the Coalition’s Australian Values Migration Plan, Burke, in a press statement, said the proposal would do little to address real issues facing Australians.
“Not one line in the speech would deliver an extra job, create an extra house or keep anyone safer,” Burke said.
He added that the government was already taking steps to tighten the migration system while reducing overall numbers.
“The government has been bringing the numbers down and bringing the standards up,” he said.
Burke also accused the Opposition of using migration as a political signal rather than a policy solution.
“Mr Taylor’s diatribe has nothing to do with the national interest and is entirely about sending a vibe to One Nation,” he said.
The minister raised particular concern about proposed changes to English language requirements, suggesting they risk unfairly targeting migrant families.
“Millions of Australians will be asking why the Liberals have a problem with their parents, who don’t speak great English but are great Australians,” he said.
Taylor, in his announcement yesterday, said the Coalition’s plan would put “Australian values” at the centre of immigration policy. The proposal includes making adherence to an Australian Values Statement a binding visa condition, introducing a “Safe Country List”, restoring Temporary Protection Visas, and strengthening national security screening.
“Our migration system should reflect our values, serve our national interest and strengthen our communities,” Taylor said.
He argued the changes would “restore integrity, fairness and confidence” and ensure migrants “respect our laws, share our values and contribute to our nation”.
The Coalition has flagged that further measures will be announced in the coming months, setting up a continued political contest over migration policy.
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