Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has once again rejected the opposition’s call to ban Palestinian migrants fleeing Gaza, denouncing it as fear-mongering and divisive. Albanese criticized the proposal from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who argued that halting migration from the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip is necessary to protect national security.
Albanese, who has previously condemned Dutton’s stance, stated that such rhetoric fosters community division at a time when security leaders are advocating for increased social cohesion. “Instead of addressing the real concerns of Australians, Peter Dutton is focused on inciting fear,” Albanese said during a press conference in Sydney.
The Prime Minister noted that the Rafah crossing is currently closed, preventing movement. According to the Department of Home Affairs, approximately 2,922 visas have been granted to Palestinians fleeing the conflict, with 1,300 individuals having safely arrived in Australia. Conversely, around 7,100 visa applications from the Palestinian territories have been denied.
Dutton reiterated his call for a visa ban until thorough security vetting can be ensured, stating in an opinion piece, “We cannot identify individuals without comprehensive background checks.” His comments have faced backlash from Labor, the Greens, some independent lawmakers, and Palestinian advocacy groups.
