Australia May Bar Some Migrants
One Nation's plan to prevent citizens with terrorist links from returning home gains Coalition support, as the party considers welcoming some refugees while limiting other migration
Barnaby Joyce, a member of One Nation, has suggested that the party could welcome some refugees while barring other migrants. This comes as the Coalition has promised to back a plan by Pauline Hanson to prevent Australian citizens with links to overseas terrorist groups from returning home.
The plan, which would allow Australian passports to be cancelled more easily and create new penalties for anyone assisting the return of people with links to terrorist groups, has gained support from key members of the Coalition's frontbench. The shadow home affairs minister, Jonno Duniam, has stated that the Coalition will work with One Nation on the legislation, aiming to 'shut the door on terrorists'.
One Nation advocates for limiting migration to Australia to those who can speak English, but Joyce has indicated that there may be exceptions for those in imminent threat of their lives. The party's stance on migration has been described as 'monocultural', but Joyce's comments suggest a more nuanced approach.
The Coalition has also promised to drop net overseas migration to under 180,000 a year over the forward estimates. The current permanent migration level is set to 185,000, while the net overseas migration figure has been trending downwards from post-covid peaks and is anticipated to be 245,000 for 2026-27.
## What it means The development is significant, as national security is a traditional political strength for the Liberal and National parties. The Coalition's support for One Nation's bill marks a shift in their approach to migration and national security. The plan's success, however, depends on Labor facilitating its progress in the House of Representatives, which is unlikely given the home affairs minister's previous comments that the plan 'would last about 30 seconds in the high court'.
The Australian Council of Social Services (Acoss) has recently criticised a suggestion by Andrew Bragg to lower net migration to 180,000 per year, stating that quality housing is both more affordable and safer for vulnerable portions of the community. The opposition leader, Angus Taylor, has indicated that the Coalition's net overseas migration target will be 'well below 200,000'.
## Why it matters The debate around migration and national security is a contentious issue in Australia, with different parties and stakeholders holding varying views. The Coalition's support for One Nation's plan reflects the complexities of the issue and the need for a balanced approach. As the country navigates its migration policies, it must consider the needs of refugees, national security, and the impact on the community.
The plan's implications extend beyond national security, as it may also affect the country's migration levels and demographic makeup. With the net overseas migration figure anticipated to be 245,000 for 2026-27, the Coalition's target of under 180,000 may have significant consequences for the country's population growth and economic development.
In conclusion, the Coalition's support for One Nation's plan to prevent citizens with terrorist links from returning home marks a significant development in Australia's migration and national security debate. As the country continues to navigate these complex issues, it must consider the needs of all stakeholders and strive for a balanced approach.
