Amnesty International Australia has condemned the federal Coalition’s new immigration policy, to be outlined in today’s speech by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor to the Menzies Institute, describing the new policy as “divisive, discriminatory, and lacking in humanity” and calling for “leadership that brings communities together, not policies that divide us”.
The announced policy rolls back protections already provided to people fleeing the conflict and genocide in Gaza, reassessing more than 2,000 Palestinians issued visas after the 7 October terror attacks and the war with Hamas.
The policy will discriminate against people who are “migrating from places ruled by fundamentalists, extremists and dictators”, denying Australia’s historic commitment to compassion and humanity.
Amnesty International Campaigner, Zaki Haidari, said: “Australia has a proud history of multiculturalism and welcoming of people from different faiths and nationalities. It is a nation built by diverse communities, grounded in values of fairness, inclusion, and human rights.
“It is deeply concerning to see politicians and decision-makers failing this multicultural vision by promoting policies that are divisive, discriminatory, and lacking in humanity and human rights approach.
“There is no need for fear-driven, discriminatory Trumpian-like policies that seek to divide communities or stigmatise people based on where they come from.”
Amnesty International Campaigner, Zaki Haidari
“Our immigration system is already robust. People who migrate to Australia go through thorough security and character assessments. There is no need for fear-driven, discriminatory Trumpian-like policies that seek to divide communities or stigmatise people based on where they come from.
“Australia has been built by migrants and refugees from every corner of the world. Everyone deserves a fair go, a chance to contribute, to belong, and to be part of our shared future.
“We do not need harsher or more inhumane policies that target people fleeing conflict, gender-based violence, or persecution based on religion or ethnicity. Instead, our immigration policies should uphold our international obligations under the UN Refugee Convention and protect those most in need.
“Now more than ever, we need leadership that brings communities together, not policies that divide us”
Zaki Haidari
“Now more than ever, we need leadership that brings communities together, not policies that divide us”, said Zaki Haidari.
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