Opposition leader pushes character-based immigration plan, rejects One Nation-style country bans

Angus Taylor, the opposition leader, announced a migration strategy that emphasizes "Australian values" and judges applicants on character and conduct, rejecting any ban based on a person's country, race, or religion. Earlier remarks had singled out 1,700 Gazans and raised concerns about migrants from Iran, but Taylor insisted a list of prohibited nations was never part of the plan. The coalition is attempting to carve a centrist path between Labor’s more open stance and One Nation’s proposal to bar entire countries.

Taylor blamed Labor for lowering migrant standards and for dissolving the Department of Home Affairs' intelligence unit, though the impact of that decision remains uncertain. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute warned the disbanding weakened the department’s ability to turn intelligence into policy advice, but a 2025 restructure brought ASIO and one outlet back under Home Affairs. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said one outlet system employs the toughest visa-screening powers to block potential extremists.