Leaked Liberal Plan to Ban Migrants From Some Areas Causes Disagreement

A proposed plan from the Liberal Party to stop people from certain areas in 13 countries from coming to Australia has been shared. Some Liberal leaders say they did not agree to this plan. The new leader, Angus Taylor, will look at the plan.
By Newsroom | Politics, Australia |

A proposed Liberal Party immigration policy, reportedly drafted under former leader Sussan Ley, has led to significant public and internal discussion following its leak. The plan, which aimed to ban migrants from specific regions within up to 13 countries, including Gaza and Somalia, was intended to target areas where listed terrorist organizations have a territorial presence. The timing of the leak has coincided with a change in Liberal leadership, with Angus Taylor now at the helm, and has highlighted divisions within the party regarding future migration strategies.

Ley’s shadow immigration minister ‘never agreed’ to unreleased Liberal plan to ban migrants from Gaza and Somalia - 1

Background of the Proposed Policy

The unreleased policy, understood to have been developed before Sussan Ley's ousting as Liberal leader, reportedly aimed to restrict immigration from regions deemed to be controlled by terrorist groups. This included specific areas within Gaza, Somalia, Egypt, and the Philippines. The proposal also allegedly involved the vetting of social media and public commentary from potential migrants, with a stated goal of lowering net overseas migration to between 160,000 and 220,000. Some reports suggest the policy was fast-tracked late last year and that the group of MPs working on it had not met since December.

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Ley’s shadow immigration minister ‘never agreed’ to unreleased Liberal plan to ban migrants from Gaza and Somalia - 2

Reactions and Denials from Key Liberals

The leaked policy has met with strong reactions from senior Liberal figures, with several prominent members denying involvement or expressing significant reservations.

Ley’s shadow immigration minister ‘never agreed’ to unreleased Liberal plan to ban migrants from Gaza and Somalia - 3

  • Paul Scarr, who served as the shadow immigration minister under Ley, stated unequivocally:

    "I never agreed to any such policy. I never signed or approved a shadow cabinet submission containing any such policy."

    Scarr has voiced "serious concerns" regarding any potential ban based on country of origin.

  • Angus Taylor, the new Liberal leader, has signaled that migration will be a key focus of his leadership but has not definitively stated whether this specific policy will be adopted. His office has indicated he has not seen the policy attributed to Ley.

  • Jonno Duniam, the home affairs spokesman, noted that the group working on the policy had not convened since December and that the leadership group had not approved the leaked proposal.

  • Jane Hume, the newly elected deputy leader, has called for a "reset" in migration policy.

Divergent Views on Migration Policy

The leaked proposal has illuminated differing perspectives within the Liberal Party regarding immigration and national security.

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Ley’s shadow immigration minister ‘never agreed’ to unreleased Liberal plan to ban migrants from Gaza and Somalia - 4

Concerns Over "Terror Hotspots"

  • The policy's purported basis was to restrict migrants from regions with a significant presence of listed terrorist organizations.

  • This approach, as reported, was designed to address perceived security risks by limiting entry from areas where such groups exercise territorial control.

  • Angus Taylor has publicly stated his desire to "shut the door" on migrants who do not adhere to "Australian values," suggesting a willingness to consider stricter measures.

Emphasis on Skilled Migration and Values

  • Angus Taylor has also emphasized the importance of "skilled migration" and stated that migration levels should be "lower."

  • He has suggested that migration should be guided by values rather than race.

  • The concept of "Australian values" has been highlighted as a criterion for entry, with potential deportation for temporary visa holders who breach these values.

The Leadership Transition and Policy Development

The leak of the immigration policy has occurred during a period of significant transition for the Liberal Party.

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  • Sussan Ley was replaced as Liberal leader on Friday, February 14, 2026.

  • Angus Taylor has since taken over as leader and is expected to announce his new shadow cabinet, which may involve promoting conservatives and potentially sidelining allies of Ley.

  • Taylor's office has indicated that any new migration policy will be developed with his incoming shadow cabinet.

  • The status of the unreleased policy and whether it will be pursued or modified under the new leadership remains unclear.

Expert Analysis and Potential Implications

  • The situation presents a complex challenge for the Liberal Party as it navigates public concerns about migration and national security while seeking internal unity.

  • The differing statements from senior Liberals suggest a potential rift within the party regarding the direction of migration policy.

  • The public debate surrounding the leaked proposal underscores the sensitive nature of immigration policy and its connection to broader security concerns.

Conclusion

A draft Liberal Party immigration policy, intended to ban migrants from specific regions in up to 13 countries, has been leaked and has become a focal point of discussion following Sussan Ley's departure as leader. While the policy was reportedly developed under Ley's leadership and aimed to target areas with terrorist group presence, key figures like Paul Scarr have denied agreeing to it. New leader Angus Taylor has indicated a tougher stance on immigration and a focus on "Australian values," but has not confirmed the adoption of the leaked plan. The differing statements and the timing of the leak during a leadership change point to ongoing debates within the Liberal Party about their approach to immigration. Further announcements regarding the party's migration strategy are anticipated with the formation of Taylor's new shadow cabinet.

Sources

Read More: New Leader Angus Taylor Says He Didn't Know About Immigration Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the leaked Liberal Party plan?
The plan suggested stopping migrants from certain areas in 13 countries, like Gaza and Somalia, where terrorist groups are active. It also wanted to check social media.
Q: Did Liberal leaders agree to this plan?
Some senior Liberal members, like Paul Scarr, said they never agreed to or approved such a policy.
Q: What does the new Liberal leader think?
Angus Taylor, the new leader, has not seen the plan but said migration will be important. He wants migration to be based on values, not race.
Q: When was this plan made?
Reports suggest the plan was made before Sussan Ley stopped being the leader, and the group working on it had not met since December.