UPDATE: Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has just announced a controversial plan to expedite deportations of unlawful immigrants in Australia, aiming to address rising concerns over undocumented migrants. This urgent policy shift comes amid growing pressure from within the Coalition and rising support for One Nation as migration anxiety escalates across the nation.
The Coalition’s blueprint is being fast-tracked to avoid lengthy negotiations, with Ley determined to establish her stance on immigration following the recent fallout from the net zero target debate. Former frontbencher Andrew Hastie has already stepped down from Ley’s shadow cabinet due to internal tensions regarding migration policy.
Currently, 101,000 individuals are living in Australia after their asylum claims were rejected, with 39,000 classified as unlawful non-citizens. The opposition claims the visa system has loopholes allowing temporary visa holders to extend their stay by applying for asylum, a process that can drag on for years. Ley’s plan focuses on accelerating asylum assessments and prioritizing deportations.
Authorities report that the Albanese government faces criticism for failing to manage immigration effectively, with pressure mounting to resolve the backlog of asylum claims. Ley’s strategy aims to demand that the government act swiftly to clear these cases, a move that could redefine immigration in Australia.
Sources indicate that Ley’s migration policy, authored by home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam and immigration spokesman Paul Scarr, will include strict adherence to an Australian Values Statement. This would make compliance with values such as freedom of religion and fairness a visa requirement, with breaches resulting in potential visa cancellations.
Critics within the party express concerns that this focus on unlawful citizens risks echoing former US President Donald Trump’s contentious deportation policies, sparking fears of backlash from migrant communities. However, Ley’s supporters argue that this approach is necessary to tackle the pressing issue of illegal immigration effectively.
The Coalition is expected to finalize and announce this migration policy shortly; however, recent political scandals surrounding Communications Minister Anika Wells have delayed the rollout. With backbenchers set to debate the policy this week, the shadow cabinet is preparing for a potential vote.
As Australia grapples with heightened immigration concerns—exacerbated by inflation and soaring housing costs—two in three voters now support pausing all immigration until housing supply meets demand. This evolving situation presents a critical moment for the Coalition as they navigate the complexities of immigration policy.
While Ley’s office has declined to provide further comments, migration expert Abul Rizvi cautions that significantly ramping up deportations could incur substantial costs, as locating and detaining individuals is resource-intensive. He emphasizes that the government currently lacks the capacity to manage a drastic increase in deportations without significant investment.
As the political landscape shifts, all eyes remain on Ley and her Coalition’s upcoming decisions regarding immigration policy that could have lasting implications for Australia’s future.
