Barnaby Joyce, a Member of Parliament, has reiterated support for mass deportations, aligning with Pauline Hanson's recent comments, while a senior Labor minister acknowledged that individuals residing in Australia illegally should be deported.
On a television program, Hanson initially suggested a preference for mass deportations, later clarifying this applied only to those unlawfully present in Australia. Joyce elaborated on this, stating that unlawful migrants would be "put on a plane and sent back to where they're supposed to be" once their status becomes apparent. He questioned the utility of immigration policies if they permit individuals to remain in the country regardless of their legal standing, comparing the situation to forgetting past criminal offenses.
Approximately 77,000 individuals are currently classified as unlawful non-citizens in Australia, with the majority being visa overstayers, including former tourists and international students who have remained beyond their visa expiry dates.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek stated that the government is actively deporting individuals who overstay their visas and affirmed support for deporting anyone found to be in Australia illegally. "If you're here illegally, you should be deported, no questions asked," Plibersek said. She challenged Joyce's stance by pointing out that unlawful migration persisted during his tenure as deputy prime minister, questioning his government's actions on the matter. Plibersek also noted that the current government has reduced immigration by 45 percent, contrasting it with Joyce's recent vote against a cap on overseas student numbers, which she characterized as inconsistent behavior.
Plibersek also criticized Hanson for remarks made in an interview, suggesting that Australia's migration issues began after the abolition of the White Australia Policy. Hanson's comments were made while speaking with a British activist. Plibersek condemned Hanson for associating with individuals with criminal convictions and making disparaging remarks about Australia internationally, while simultaneously appearing to advocate for exclusionary immigration policies.
Joyce, however, clarified that One Nation does not support reinstating the White Australia Policy. He suggested that while the policy's wind-down was beneficial, a segment of migrants had not assimilated with Australian culture, leading to a departure from a singular Australian identity to one that encompasses diverse viewpoints. Joyce emphasized that migrants should embrace Australian values and culture, working within the nation's established framework.