MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster has labelled the Federal Government’s decision to provide a permanent visa pathway to more than 19,000 refugees living in Australia, including at least 40 in Swan Hill, “problematic”.
The Labor government on Monday fulfilled one of its election promises, allowing existing temporary protection visa (TPV) and safe haven enterprise visa (SHEV) holders to apply for a permanent visa, after being left in limbo for the past decade.
The change applied exclusively to people who hold, or have applied for, either of the visas, and had entered Australia before Operation Sovereign Borders in 2013.
While welcoming the positive impact for these constituents, the Mallee MP said the move may have “unintended consequences”.
“The concern that was always raised for me in the Coalition was we don’t want to see the boats start again,” Dr Webster said.
She claimed people smugglers had already reacted.
“Boats have started trading now, (Labor have) already turned back boats – how many boats I don’t know because we’re not privy to that information – but they have certainly turned back boats, that process has started,” Dr Webster said.
“It’s a nuanced argument. I get the fact that this is difficult for people to grasp but the last thing we want is more boats heading out to sea and more people losing their lives in the ocean, for people smugglers to start up their business again – that would be a tragedy.”
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said “it makes no sense, economically or socially” to keep the affected refugees in limbo.
“TPV and SHEV holders work, pay taxes, start businesses, employ Australians and build lives in our communities – often in rural and regional areas,” Mr Giles said.
“Without permanent visas however, they’ve been unable to get a loan to buy a house, build their businesses or pursue further education.”
After waiting 10 years, SHEV and TPV holders successful in their permanent visa applications will have immediate access to social security payments, can sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia and can pursue a pathway to Australian citizenship.
The Home Affairs Department said the Operation Sovereign Borders policy architecture remained unchanged.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said anyone trying enter Australia without a valid visa would be turned back or returned to their port of origin.
“The Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force are patrolling our waters to intercept and return any boats that try to enter,” Ms O’Neil said.
“There is zero chance of settling in Australia under Operation Sovereign Borders.”
