UPDATE: Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has just announced a bold new plan aimed at accelerating deportations of unlawful immigrants in Australia. This policy shift comes as the Coalition seeks to gain ground against One Nation and Labor on migration issues amid rising public concern.
The Coalition’s strategy includes a commitment to expedite asylum assessments, aiming to swiftly deport individuals who breach Australian values. Ley’s announcement follows a significant increase in undocumented migrants, with a staggering 101,000 currently in Australia after their asylum claims were rejected. Of these, about 62,000 are actively appealing their rejections, while 39,000 have exhausted all options and are now classified as unlawful non-citizens.
Ley’s plan, which is still under review, is a direct response to the dramatic surge in undocumented migrants over the past decade, described as “phenomenal” by migration expert Abul Rizvi. The opposition is prioritizing a crackdown on the loopholes within Australia’s visa system that allow temporary visa holders to apply for asylum, effectively prolonging their stay in the country.
As tensions over migration policy intensify, former frontbencher Andrew Hastie recently resigned from Ley’s shadow cabinet due to disagreements over these very issues. The Coalition sees this as an opportunity to reshape the national conversation around immigration, especially with the recent defection of Barnaby Joyce to One Nation, contributing to a growing anxiety among voters.
Sources close to the Coalition indicate that the forthcoming immigration policy will demand the Albanese government act swiftly to clear existing backlogs in asylum processing. The urgency of Ley’s policy is underscored by the ongoing public debate surrounding rising inflation and housing costs, as many voters express unease about immigration levels.
Critics within the Coalition are wary that Ley’s hardline approach may draw unfavourable comparisons to former US President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation tactics. However, party insiders emphasize that this strategy will differ significantly, focusing instead on restoring public confidence in Australia’s migration system.
The new policy is being crafted by home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam alongside immigration spokesman Paul Scarr. They are expected to present the details to shadow cabinet for approval. Notably, the policy will not specify a target number for net overseas migration, a departure from previous strategies.
As the situation develops, Labor is poised to challenge the Coalition on the complexities and costs associated with identifying and deporting undocumented workers. Critics, including Rizvi, caution that ramping up deportations could prove financially burdensome, given the resources required to locate and detain individuals, particularly in Australia’s vast landscape.
With backbenchers scheduled to debate the policy on Wednesday, the Coalition hopes to finalize the announcement soon, despite recent distractions from a scandal involving Communications Minister Anika Wells.
This urgent policy shift reflects the Coalition’s attempt to address the pressing migration concerns of the Australian public, as two-thirds of voters recently expressed a desire to pause all immigration until housing supply aligns with demand. The ramifications of Ley’s proposed changes could reshape the national dialogue on immigration in Australia, making it essential for stakeholders to stay informed on this developing story.
