Senator Lidia Thorpe has condemned proposed changes to the Migration Act 1958 that would give the Home Affairs Minister broad powers to block groups of temporary visa holders from travelling to Australia.
The legislation is to be introduced to the House of Representatives today.
Senator Lidia Thorpe has condemned proposed changes to the Migration Act 1958 that would give the Home Affairs Minister broad powers to block groups of temporary visa holders from travelling to Australia.
The legislation is to be introduced to the House of Representatives today.
Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:
"Who is coming up with this stuff? Is One Nation writing Labor’s migration policies now?
"This move from Labor looks eerily similar to Donald Trump’s Muslim ban.
"It’s a racist dog whistle that will target Black and brown people. It looks like Labor wants to drag this country back towards the days of the White Australia policy.
"If we want to understand why Islamophobia and racism against Black and brown communities is rising in this country, we only need to look at the example being set by the Albanese government."
"This proposal would give sweeping powers to the minister to block entire groups of visa holders from travelling to Australia on suspicion alone, even when they have legitimate reasons to be here. Powers like this will quickly be weaponised against Black and brown people, who are always treated as suspect."
"We know these powers won’t be used to stop people from places like Israel or Ukraine if they seek refuge in this country. They will be used against Muslim and Arab people being displaced by the United States and Israel’s illegal attacks in Iran and elsewhere — conflicts the Albanese government continues to back."
"We cannot allow Australia to slide further down this dangerous path. Racist migration policies have no place in this country, and the Albanese government has a duty to assist people seeking refuge, particularly from places where this country is complicit in violence."