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Coalition–Labor Gaza arrivals controversy

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Beginning in November 2023, a public dispute has occurred between members of the Parliament of Australia with regard to the provision of visas to people from the Gaza Strip.[1][2] In August 2024, ABC News published an interview with Director-General of Security Mike Burgess, who was later incorporated into the dispute.[3] Leading Coalition MPs led calls to increase restrictions, contending that people from Gaza were a potential security threat and that the Albanese government did not perform adequate vetting. Leading Labor MPs have accused the Coalition of leveraging the issue for domestic political purposes.

According to an August 2024 opinion poll, there was greater agreement with the Coalition's position. (See § Opinion polls.)

Chronology of notable remarks

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Coalition politicians

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Tony Abbott

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In a 2023 Sky News Australia interview, former prime minister Tony Abbott spoke of "importing trouble" in reference to the provision of visas to people from Gaza.[4][additional citation(s) needed]

Simon Birmingham

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In November 2023, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Birmingham said that it was "understandable" for Gazans to seek Australian visas, and remarked on "the need to ensure that those checks and balances have been thoroughly applied".[4][additional citation(s) needed]

Peter Dutton

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On 24 November 2023, Opposition leader Peter Dutton remarked in an interview that "You can’t be taking people out of a war zone and bring them to Australia without the checks being conducted and it’s obvious that the government hasn’t done it because they’ve got to go to the US — by way of one example — to their database holdings, who have the most significant database holdings in terms of biometrics and in terms of those people who have been flagged in the Middle East as being of concern."[5][6]

On 4 August, Dutton remarked in an interview that "You can’t be taking people out of a war zone", and insisted that Palestinian applicants be subjected to biometric testing.[7][8]

On 14 August 2024, Dutton said in a Sky News Australia interview that he did not think "people should be coming in from that war zone at all at the moment" and that he thought "it puts our national security at risk". He contended that Australians "would be shocked to think that the government's bringing in people from a war zone" and asserted that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation was "not conducting checks and searches on these people".[9][10][11][12][13]

On 18 August, a News Corp publication published a piece by Dutton characterising Labor, the teals and the Greens as "Hamas' useful idiots".[14][15]

James Paterson

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On 23 November 2023, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs James Paterson said in a ABC News Breakfast interview that he was "seeking reassurance from the government that all the normal checks and processes were followed and that no corners were cut" in the provision of 860 temporary visas to people from Gaza since 7 October.[16][17][18]

In a Sky News Australia interview on 20 February, Paterson contended that the government "should be taking much greater care in granting visas to people from a war zone run by a terrorist organisation" amid "an unprecedented antisemitism crisis".[19][20][21]

In a Sky News Australia interview on 5 August, Paterson contended that Albanese was "playing with fire with issues like this, when he brings people into our country from an area which is a war zone, which is controlled by a terrorist organisation without adequate vetting or checks".[22][23]

In a Sky News Australia interview on 13 August, Paterson contended that the government should "absolutely be deporting anyone we can identify as supporting a terrorist organisation", and that the "character test" provision in the Migration Act should be used to refuse visas to "people who are a threat to our community".[24][25]

Labor politicians

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Anthony Albanese

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On 23 November 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that there was "an appropriate visa system and security system in place".[25]

Following Peter Dutton's remarks on 14 August 2024, Anthony Albanese reacted in an ABC News Breakfast interview, saying that Dutton "always seeks to divide". He said that the government took advice from intelligence agencies and not "from someone always looking for a fight, always looking for division".[9][10][11][12]

Jason Clare

[edit]

Asked at a press event on 14 August about Peter Dutton's remarks earlier that day, Minister for Education Jason Clare spoke of the human suffering in Gaza and urged Dutton to go to his electorate and "Come and visit them, look them in the eyes".[9][26][27][28]

Penny Wong

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After James Patterson's 23 November appearance on Sky News Australia, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong appeared on the channel and said that the government had been undertaking "appropriate security checks". She noted that around 1,800 people in Israel had also been granted visas in the same period. She added, "Just as not everybody from Afghanistan is linked with the Taliban, not everybody who is Palestinian is a member of a terrorist organisation."[4][29]

In a Nine News interview shortly afterwards,[when?] Wong accused the Opposition of trying to "make a political point".[4][additional citation(s) needed]

Other politicians

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Dai Le

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On 15 August, independent MP Dai Le remarked, "I don't know if anyone in the House of Representatives has lived through having to pack their things, or any small belongings they have, not knowing what's happening, not knowing why there are bombs on both sides".[30]

Zali Steggall

[edit]

During a parliamentary debate on 15 August, independent MP Zali Steggall said to Peter Dutton, "Stop being racist".[31][32]

In response to Dutton's 14 August piece (see § Peter Dutton) and reports of him seeking legal advice on suing her, Steggall characterised Dutton's behaviour as "bullying". She said, "This is all designed to foster fear".[14]

Intelligence officials

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On 11 August, ABC News published an interview with Director-General of Security Mike Burgess. David Speers posited to Burgess the Opposition's argument of people from Gaza being a security threat, later asking whether it constituted a "problem" if people had expressed "rhetorical support" for Hamas. Burgess said that it was potentially disqualifying for visa applicants to have financial or material support to Hamas. He stated that it was "not a problem" if it was "just rhetorical support, and they don't have an ideology or support for a violent extremism ideology", saying that some may have expressed support because they "want their homeland".[33][34][35]

In September, Burgess contended that his comments had been "distorted".[34][36]

Columnists and advocacy groups

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On 14 August, referring to Peter Dutton's remarks earlier that day, The Sydney Morning Herald journalist Natassia Chrysanthos and ABC News journalist Tom Crowley cited Home Affairs figures and compared the provision of visas to holders of Israeli and Palestinian Authority passports. They noted that the majority of visa applications by Palestinian Authority passport holders were rejected.[37][38]

Following the remarks, Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council director Colin Rubinstein stated to SMH that the organisation was "very concerned at the potential for supporters of Hamas and other terrorist groups to enter the country under this scheme".[12]

On 14 August, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni characterised Dutton's remarks as "another glaring example of the abhorrent and increasingly normalised brand of racist politicking designed to stir up fear and hatred against the Palestinian people".[9][39]

Karen Middleton opined that Dutton was "using the war to make a political point, to heighten the fear of violence and add to the pressure the government is already under in trying to walk the line between compassion for people being bombed in Gaza and national security".[40]

In a 1 September SMH article, Deborah Snow remarked that "ASIO boss Mike Burgess might be regretting at least one part of his appearance on ABC TV's Insiders this month".[3] Writing in The Conversation, Michelle Grattan commented in September that 'If the head of a security organisation gives a major interview, they need to make sure what they say is crystal clear, to minimise the risk of any such "distortion".'[36]

Parliamentary actions

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Redacted documents were released in September following Senator James Paterson's request for further information on the admission of people from Gaza.[41]

Opinion polls

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An August 2024 poll by Essential Research, captured from a sample of 1,129 participants after the August parliamentary debates, showed that respondents agreed more often than not with Peter Dutton's call to pause the arrival of people from Gaza.[42][43]

References

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  1. ^ Tillett, Andrew (2024-08-23). "Why Gaza visa attacks could backfire on the Coalition". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  2. ^ Karvelas, Patricia (2024-09-22). "From university Senate inquiries to ASIO, the complicated politics of the Israel-Gaza war continue to mount". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  3. ^ a b Snow, Deborah (2024-08-31). "ASIO boss caught in political crossfire over Gaza refugees". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  4. ^ a b c d Butler, Josh (2023-11-23). "Labor rejects Coalition claims Palestinians granted Australian visas carries terrorism risk". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  5. ^ Remeikis, Amy (2023-11-24). "Explainer: have people fleeing the Hamas-Israel war for Australia been through security checks?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  6. ^ "Leader of the Opposition – Transcript – Joint Doorstop Interview with the Hon David Coleman MP, Strathpine". Peter Dutton MP. 2023-11-24. Archived from the original on 2024-03-03. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  7. ^ Knott, Matthew (2024-08-11). "'Not a problem': Spy boss says Hamas sympathy not a visa dealbreaker". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  8. ^ "Leader of the Opposition – Transcript – Joint Doorstop Interview with Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash and Mr Howard Ong, Liberal Party Candidate for Tangney, Ardross". Peter Dutton MP. 2024-08-04. Archived from the original on 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  9. ^ a b c d Yallop, Rania (2024-08-14). "'Abhorrent': Backlash over Dutton's call to ban fleeing Palestinians from Australia". SBS News. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  10. ^ a b Karp, Paul (2024-08-14). "Peter Dutton says Australia should not accept Palestinians from Gaza due to 'national security risk'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  11. ^ a b Crowley, Tom (2024-08-13). "Dutton says people fleeing Gaza should not be granted a visa, as figures reveal most being refused". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  12. ^ a b c Chrysanthos, Natassia; Massola, James (2024-08-14). "Rose only fled Gaza after her pharmacy was bombed. Dutton says she shouldn't have come". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  13. ^ "Leader of the Opposition – Transcript – Interview with Peter Stefanovic, First Edition". Peter Dutton MP. 2024-08-14. Archived from the original on 2024-08-16. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  14. ^ a b Ireland, Olivia (2024-08-19). "Steggall brands Dutton a 'bully' over Gaza racism row". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  15. ^ "Leader of the Opposition – Opinion Piece – Sunday News Corp Papers". Peter Dutton MP. 2024-08-18. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  16. ^ Roberts, Georgia (2023-11-23). "Has Australia always given visas to people in war zones?". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  17. ^ Tillett, Andrew (2023-11-23). "Visas for those fleeing Gaza went through proper checks: Albanese". Australian Financial Review. Archived from the original on 2023-11-29. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  18. ^ "Transcript | ABC RN Breakfast Radio | 23 November 2023". Senator James Paterson. 2024-11-23. Archived from the original on 2024-03-28. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  19. ^ Knott, Matthew (2024-02-21). "Labor, Coalition clash over security checks for 2000 Palestinian visas". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  20. ^ Butler, Josh (2024-02-21). "Immigration minister Andrew Giles accuses Coalition of fearmongering over 2,000 visas issued to Palestinians". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  21. ^ Knott, Mathew (2024-02-22). "Coalition 'whipping up fear' over fast-tracked visas for Palestinians". Senator James Paterson. Archived from the original on 2024-03-18. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  22. ^ Crotty, Gemma (2024-08-06). "Albanese govt slammed as it considers new visa changes for Palestinian refugees amid ASIO raising terrorism threat level". Sky News Australia. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  23. ^ "Transcript | Sky News Sharri | 05 August 2024". Senator James Paterson. 2024-08-05. Archived from the original on 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  24. ^ "'Will he step up?': Calls for Tony Burke to deport Hamas supporters". Sky News Australia. 2024-08-13. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  25. ^ a b "Transcript | Sky News Sharri | 13 August 2024". Senator James Paterson. 2024-08-13. Archived from the original on 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  26. ^ Tamer, Rayane (2024-08-16). "This man's sister was killed in Gaza. Australia has denied her orphaned kids entry". SBS News. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  27. ^ Sharma, Yashee (2024-08-14). "Dutton invokes backlash after calling for total ban on Palestinian refugees". www.9news.com.au. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  28. ^ Clare, Jason (2024-08-14). "Doorstop - Canberra". Department of Education. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  29. ^ "Interview with Peter Stefanovic, Sky News". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 2024-11-23. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  30. ^ Crowley, Tom; Truu, Maani (2024-08-14). "Independent MP Dai Le calls for compassion in Gaza visa debate, as Peter Dutton doubles down on ban". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  31. ^ Chrysanthos, Natassia (2024-08-15). "'Stop being racist': Row erupts in parliament over Dutton's stance on Gaza visas". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  32. ^ Canales, Sarah Basford (2024-08-15). "Zali Steggall tells Dutton to 'stop being racist' in parliament amid heated debate on Palestinian visas". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  33. ^ Knott, Matthew (2024-08-11). "'Not a problem': Spy boss says Hamas sympathy not a visa dealbreaker". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  34. ^ a b "'Distorted': ASIO boss clarifies his comments on visas for Palestinians fleeing Gaza". SBS News. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  35. ^ "Mike Burgess Interviewed". ABC News. 2024-08-11. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  36. ^ a b Grattan, Michelle (2024-09-03). "View from The Hill: ASIO chief seeks to dig out of the hole he'd made for himself". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  37. ^ Chrysanthos, Natassia; Massola, James (2024-08-14). "Rose only fled Gaza after her pharmacy was bombed. Dutton says she shouldn't have come". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  38. ^ Crowley, Tom (2024-08-13). "Dutton says people fleeing Gaza should not be granted a visa, as figures reveal most being refused". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  39. ^ Giannini, Dominic; Ikonomou, Tess (2024-08-14). "'Do more': fury rises over Palestinian refugee ban call". Australian Associated Press. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  40. ^ Middleton, Karen (2024-08-14). "Politicians were warned to watch their words on the Middle East. Was Peter Dutton listening?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  41. ^ Chrysanthos, Natassia; Ireland, Olivia (2024-09-20). "Every visa sent to ASIO: Home Affairs advice challenges Dutton claim". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  42. ^ Karp, Paul (2024-08-26). "More Australians agree with Dutton's visa pause for Gazans than oppose it, Guardian Essential poll shows". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  43. ^ "The Essential Report: 27 August 2024". essentialreport.com.au. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
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