Coalition launches hateful immigration policy to mimic Trump-style fear politics

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 14 April 2026

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre has warned that the Coalition’s newly announced immigration policy represents dangerous, failed and harmful approaches that punish people seeking safety and divide the community.

The policy includes plans to vet visitors’ social media, reintroduce temporary protection visas, restrict access to essential supports, and cut off appeal rights, alongside rhetoric that scapegoats migrant communities and demonises particular nationalities and faiths. 

The ASRC said the proposed measures would deepen harm for people seeking asylum by forcing them into prolonged uncertainty through temporary visas, denying them access to basic support needed to survive, and stripping away critical legal safeguards such as appeal rights.

These policies revive approaches that have already caused significant harm. Temporary protection visas have previously left people in limbo for years, unable to rebuild their lives despite contributing to the community. Limiting access to a social safety net risks pushing people into poverty and exploitation, while restricting appeal rights undermines basic fairness and accountability in decision making.

At a time when our community is facing real challenges, the ASRC said the policy offers no meaningful solutions and instead seeks to distract and divide by targeting people seeking safety.

The ASRC is calling on all political leaders to reject fear-based policies and commit to building a fair, compassionate and united community where everyone is treated with dignity.

Comments attributable to Jana Favero, Deputy CEO, ASRC:

“The Coalition’s immigration policy is horrifying, but not surprising. Again and again, we have seen politicians try to divide our communities for their own political gain, and this policy is no exception. Australians can see through this – it is just this kind of divisive rhetoric and fear mongering that voters rejected at the last Federal election.”

“Angus Taylor’s comments today not only undermine our refugee protection system and the right to seek asylum but also demonise families fleeing persecution. It seems the Coalition hasn’t yet learned that our community wants unity and compassion from our leaders. This is out of touch at a time when we watch in horror at the humanitarian catastrophe in places like Gaza, Iran and Lebanon.”

“Angus Taylor has launched a hateful attack on migrant communities this morning, with no basis or evidence. He’s made it clear the Coalition intends to copy Donald Trump, by blaming migrants for problems created by politicians, instead of fixing them.”

“The Coalition’s immigration policy is vile and dangerous garbage, which is aimed at dividing our community and making us fearful of one another, at a time when what we need most is unity.”