Coalition proposes stricter immigration policy with values-based requirements
The Opposition has announced a migration plan to reduce immigration numbers and introduce stricter visa conditions, including an Australian Values Statement requirement and additional social media scrutiny.
Official source ↗The Coalition Opposition has released a new immigration policy focused on reducing overall migration numbers to Australia. The plan includes several proposed changes: eliminating legal aid for cancelled visas, increased scrutiny of social media during visa processing, and making an Australian Values Statement a binding visa condition. The policy also suggests additional vetting for certain groups, including Gazan refugees who have already undergone thorough vetting processes. Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly has criticized the proposal as ideological rather than practical, noting that Australia's immigration system has historically been non-discriminatory and has worked effectively. She emphasised that migrants from diverse backgrounds have made significant contributions to Australia and expressed concern that categorising migrants as 'good' or 'bad' based on country of origin, language, or ethnicity damages social harmony. This is Opposition policy and has not yet been implemented. For current information on visa requirements and conditions, applicants should consult the Department of Home Affairs website.