The debate over Australia’s response to Palestinians fleeing the Gaza conflict has intensified, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton challenging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Parliament on the government’s stance.
Dutton and his fellow party members have questioned whether those fleeing the war zone should be allowed into Australia, saying there were national security implications.
During Question Time, Albanese said his government was maintaining the same stance as the previous Liberal-National government when Dutton was the minister for immigration.
“It’s exactly the same system that was in place when the Leader of the Opposition was the Minister for Immigration. Security assessments are conducted by the ASIO director-general. If the Leader of the Opposition doesn’t have confidence in that system, he should say so.,” Albanese said.
The prime minister also emphasised the importance of understanding the message from ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess on Aug. 5, who said the there was an elevated terror threat likely from growing extremism.
“This is really a matter for everyone—community leaders, politicians, the media. Watch your words. Watch your actions. There is a direct correlation between inflammatory language, heightened tension, and violence. I seek to bring people together.”
In a statement, the ASIO director-general had stated that currently the agency did not believe any “terrorist plots we have investigated in the last year have been inspired by Gaza.”
“Terrorist leaders offshore are not inspiring attacks onshore.”
Albanese also criticised Dutton for his comments suggesting refugees from the war zone should not be allowed into the country, saying it would create “division.”
Several other Liberal ministers pressed Albanese on whether the government has granted visas to anyone living in Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
