Dutton says people fleeing Gaza should not be granted a visa,
as figures reveal most being refused
By political reporter Tom Crowley
Posted Yesterday at 9:35am, updated Yesterday at 4:27pm
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In short:
The opposition leader said it was "not prudent" to admit people fleeing a war zone,
citing concerns they could be supporters of Hamas, a designated terror organisation.
It follows comments from ASIO chief Mike Burgess, who said his agency did conduct security checks on some entrants but that "rhetorical" support for Hamas was not grounds for immediate disqualification.
What's next?
The government has flagged it will come up with new visa arrangements for the cohort of Palestinians who have arrived since October 7 on visitor visas, and will not return them to Gaza while war is ongoing.
Two-thirds of people seeking to flee Gaza to Australia are being refused, new figures have revealed, as the Opposition warns it is "not prudent" for any Palestinians to be allowed into the country.
Peter Dutton has argued Palestinians fleeing Gaza should not be granted entry to Australia, citing national security fears.
Nasser Mashni from the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network accused Mr Dutton of using the conflict to score "cheap" political points.
"That framing is racist …
it really is shameful and beneath our alternative prime minister," Mr Mashni said.
Mr Mashni said it was also his understanding that people were currently unable to exit Gaza, but said the Australian government should have done more during the window where people were able to leave.