Leaked Plan to Ban Migrants From Some Areas Causes Disagreement in Liberal Party

A draft immigration policy from Australia's Liberal Party has been leaked. It suggests banning people from certain areas, like Gaza and Somalia. Some important party members say they did not agree to this plan, causing disagreement within the party.
By Newsroom | Australia, Politics |

Tension Over Leaked Plan to Ban Migrants from Specific Regions

A recently leaked draft immigration policy from Australia's Liberal Party has created a stir, particularly as it outlines proposals to ban migrants from specific regions in countries like Gaza and Somalia. This plan, reportedly developed before the recent leadership change, has surfaced amidst internal party discussions about the future direction of migration policy under new leader Angus Taylor. Senior figures within the party have publicly stated they were not involved in or did not agree to the draft, creating a divide on how to address immigration. The core of the debate appears to be the proposed bans and the broader principles guiding Australia's immigration intake.

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

Background: A Policy Emerges and a Leadership Shifts

The proposed immigration policy, which has been circulating internally within the Liberal Party, appears to have been drafted during Sussan Ley's tenure as opposition leader. Ley was replaced by Angus Taylor in a leadership spill shortly before the policy's details became public.

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

  • The draft policy reportedly singled out specific regions within 13 countries, including Gaza, Egypt, Somalia, and the Philippines.

  • The stated rationale for these proposed bans was to target areas where listed terrorist organisations are believed to have territorial control.

  • Sources suggest this particular plan was not formally presented to the shadow cabinet before Ley's ousting.

  • Following the leadership change, Angus Taylor has signaled that migration will be a central focus of his policy platform.

  • Taylor's office has indicated that any new policy would be developed with his soon-to-be-announced shadow cabinet.

Conflicting Accounts on Policy Endorsement

Key Liberal Party figures have publicly disavowed knowledge of or agreement with the leaked immigration proposal, raising questions about its formal endorsement and internal party processes.

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

  • Senator Paul Scarr, who served as the shadow immigration minister under Sussan Ley, stated unequivocally that he "never agreed to any such policy" and "never signed or approved a shadow cabinet submission containing any such policy." He has also expressed "serious concerns" regarding any such ban.

  • Jonno Duniam, home affairs spokesman, indicated that the group of MPs working on the policy had not convened since December and that the leadership group had "never signed off" on the leaked proposal.

  • Angus Taylor's office stated that he had not seen the policy Ley had been preparing. While Taylor has acknowledged the need to potentially "shut the door" on migrants who do not align with Australian values and indicated a desire to lower net overseas migration, he has not confirmed if the proposed country-specific bans would be adopted.

Analysis of the Proposed Immigration Framework

The leaked policy, while not formally adopted, offers a glimpse into a potential direction for Liberal migration strategy.

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

Rationale for Proposed Bans

  • The policy reportedly identified specific regions within up to 13 countries as areas of concern.

  • The rationale presented was linked to the presence of "listed terrorist organisations" with territorial control in these regions.

  • This approach appears to prioritize security concerns and the perceived alignment of migrants with "Australian values."

Scope and Severity of the Proposal

  • The draft policy is understood to have proposed a temporary restriction on immigration from Gaza and potentially other specific areas.

  • It also included provisions for enhanced vetting, such as social media monitoring, for potential migrants.

  • One report suggested the policy aimed to expedite the removal of individuals on temporary visas who breach stated values.

Internal Party Dynamics and Future Direction

  • The emergence of the leaked policy highlights a potential division within the Liberal Party regarding immigration.

  • Angus Taylor's leadership is seen as potentially shifting the party further to the right, with a focus on conservative appointments to his shadow cabinet.

  • Discussions around migration levels are ongoing, with indications of a desire to reduce net overseas migration.

Expert Perspectives on Migration Policy

Analysts have observed the internal friction surrounding the leaked policy and its implications for the Liberal Party's future.

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"Migration will be a major focus under his leadership. Angus Taylor says he will unite the Liberal Party, but a deeper rift is forming between those who want to overhaul the party's direction and those who believe doing so would mean political death." - ABC News Report

"The draft Liberal plan would see migrants from areas of 13 countries barred for three years. The countries with regions singled out on the list." - Daily Mail Report

Conclusion and Unresolved Questions

The leaked draft immigration policy presents a significant point of contention within the Liberal Party, particularly following Sussan Ley's removal as leader and Angus Taylor's ascension. While the policy's specifics, such as banning migrants from regions in Gaza and Somalia, have been detailed, its internal approval process and future adoption remain uncertain.

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  • Key Figures Deny Agreement: Multiple senior Liberals, including Senator Paul Scarr and Jonno Duniam, have publicly stated they were not privy to or did not endorse the draft policy.

  • Leadership Transition: The policy's surfacing during a leadership transition under Angus Taylor has created a complex environment for its evaluation.

  • Future Policy Uncertainty: Taylor has indicated a focus on migration but has not confirmed whether the controversial aspects of the leaked draft will be carried forward.

The situation underscores a debate within the party about the foundational principles of Australia's immigration strategy and the mechanisms for policy development and approval.

Sources

Read More: Leaked Liberal Plan to Ban Migrants From Some Areas Causes Disagreement

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the leaked immigration policy about?
The policy is a draft that suggests banning people from certain regions in countries like Gaza and Somalia from coming to Australia. It was reportedly created before a change in party leadership.
Q: Did the Liberal Party leaders agree to this policy?
Many senior Liberal Party members say they did not know about this plan or did not agree to it. This has caused arguments inside the party.
Q: Who is the new leader of the Liberal Party?
Angus Taylor is the new leader of the Liberal Party. He has said that immigration will be an important part of his plans.
Q: Why would they ban people from certain regions?
The plan said the ban was to stop people from areas where terrorist groups are thought to have control. It was also linked to 'Australian values'.