Immigration

Immigration has contributed to Australia’s success as a nation. 

Our current immigration rate however is unsustainable, as it is having an adverse impact on the cost of living, service delivery and housing affordability.

The major parties do not have a coherent immigration plan that will address the current challenges of housing, cost of living, and employment.

The immigration program should focus on enhancing workforce productivity and assimilating immigrants into local communities. 

There should be an emphasis on encouraging immigrants to move to regional areas and less emphasis on the student intake. 

People First propose the following changes:

Cut & Cap Immigration

Limit immigration to 100,000 permanent visas to reduce pressure on housing, services, and infrastructure. Permanent residents who aren’t Australian citizens will not be able to sponsor relatives to move to Australia. 

Deny Entry to immigrants with radical views. 

Prevent entry to migrants with known radical views incompatible with Australian values.

Deport Illegal Immigrants

Expel all illegal immigrants in Australia. This is estimated to be almost 70,000 people. 

Deport Violent Foreign Criminals

Immediately deport any immigrant convicted of a violent crime.

Reform the ART Appeals Process

Streamline the deportation process and eliminate costly delays caused by the Administrative Review Tribunal. There are almost 400,000 people on bridging visas in Australia. They will be required to return to their home country before re-applying for a new visa to Australia. An exemption to this rule will apply to the spouse and children, including step-children of an Australian citizen. 

Investigate & Close Fraudulent Education Providers

Shut down training providers involved in fraud, fake qualifications, and diploma mills.

Reduce Foreign Student Intake

People First will prioritise university placements for Australians and cap the number of foreign students to just 1% of Australia’s population. This will see student numbers reduce by over 500,000 to relieve pressure on housing and infrastructure.  Foreign students with poor attendance records will be required to return home and finish their studies online. Foreign student visa fees will be increased to cover the cost of infrastructure and services used by students during their time in Australia. 

No Unemployment Benefits for 10 Years

Foreign-born citizens must wait 10 years from date of becoming a permanent resident before receiving Australian Unemployment benefits. Private Health Insurance and Income Protection will be mandatory for all immigrants.  Pensions will be pro-rated based on the number of years an immigrant has worked in Australia. Once an immigrant has worked in Australia for 25 years they will be entitled to a full pension. 

Repeal the India Deal

The recent immigration deal with India increases the flow of temporary workers and students into Australia, putting strain on housing and services. This deal needs to be repealed, as it undermines the goal of reducing immigration pressure while prioritizing local employment and community well-being

Restrict work rights and medicare to NZ born residents only

To stop immigrants coming into Australia via New Zealand residency, Special Visa subclass 444 that grants work rights to New Zealanders, will be only be issued to New Zealanders born in New Zealand.