A former minister from the Howard government has broken ranks with the current Liberal Party's hardline stance on immigration, cautioning against policies that could be perceived as heavy-handed and authoritarian. In a surprise move, Amanda Vanstone, a veteran politician, has expressed concerns that the opposition's new immigration policy may inadvertently target migrants who are fleeing oppressive regimes. According to Vanstone, many asylum seekers from countries ruled by dictators and extremists are motivated by a desire to escape authoritarianism, rather than seek a better life in Australia. Her comments come as the opposition leader, Angus Taylor, faces mounting criticism for his party's new immigration policy, which has been likened to Donald Trump's policies by refugee advocates and other critics.
Howard-era former minister Amanda Vanstone criticises parts of hardline policy but backs English language requirementGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFormer Howard government minister Amanda Vanstone has warned Angus Taylor against turning immigration into heavy-handed law enforcement, saying most migrants from countries run by dictators and extremists move here to escape authoritarianism.Releasing the first elements of a new hardline immigration policy on Tuesday, the opposition leader sparked criticism from refugee advocates, Pauline Hanson and even one sitting Liberal MP, who all likened the plans to policies from US president Donald Trump. Continue reading...
