Politics

No deal: Dutton ends debate, immigration rates to remain

Apr 10, 2018

Peter Dutton has hit back at claims he wanted a cut to migrant intake.

Peter Dutton has hit back at claims he called for a cut to Australia’s migrant intake last year, after it was reported his plea was shot down by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The Australian reported that the home affairs minister proposed cutting the annual immigration intake by 20,000, to bring the total allowance down to 170,000. The publication claimed this was backed at the time by then deputy PM Barnaby Joyce, but both Turnbull and Scott Morrison opposed the plan.

However, Dutton has since responded to the claims on social media, insisting he “supports” the Coalition’s stance on immigration.

He tweeted: “I have made it clear over recent weeks that I support the current level of migration. As the PM and I have said repeatedly; our migration program acts in the national interest by maintaining the same proportions of skilled and unskilled entrants as previous Coalition Governments.”

I have made it clear over recent weeks that I support the current level of migration. As the PM and I have said repeatedly; our migration program acts in the national interest by maintaining the same proportions of skilled and unskilled entrants as previous Coalition Governments.

— Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) April 9, 2018

It comes after Multicultural Affairs Minister Alan Tudge made fresh calls for tougher English language requirements for migrants on the ABC’s Q&A program on Monday.

“We need to ensure for the interests of the migrant as much as for social cohesion there is that common language across the community, the common glue which is so vital for social cohesion,” he said.

Tudge told the audience he understands why new migrants congregate in suburbs with similar cultural ties to their own, but said it’s difficult for them to integrate into Australian society if they don’t have basic English language skills.

Is it possible ‘geographical concentration’ of new migrants isn’t about an unwillingness to integrate with ‘Australian values’? @AlanTudgeMP & @ClareONeilMP respond #QandA pic.twitter.com/2yTp9UXj0a

— QandA (@QandA) April 9, 2018

However, his views weren’t met with support from everyone on the panel.

“I find that sort of thing real offensive. It’s devaluing the contribution that thousands of people I represent and you represent have made to this country without much English,” Labor’s Justice spokeswoman, Clare O’Neil, responded.

Dutton previously threw his support behind calls for tougher English tests, saying the requirements would be a “no brainer”.

Speaking on 2GB radio at the time, Dutton called on Labor to support the push and questioned why MPs hadn’t already. While he admitted he’s unsure of Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s current stance on the issue, he urged all politicians to support the proposed legislation.

“It’s a no-brainer. It’s providing support for women who, in some cultures, aren’t treated equally,” he told host Ray Hadley.

“We want those women to have an education, to see their daughters get a driver’s licence… whatever it might be. If you’re in Australia we don’t ask you to abandon your culture or your heritage but if you’re in Australia you abide by our laws. There is one law that applies equally to every Australian, regardless of your background or place of birth, and people need to understand that… The majority of people do.”

The minister added: “If people want to become Australian citizens… we need to have demonstrated that people integrated into our community, that they are working. There are lots of reasons that this is a good law, and we’ll continue to push through.”