The TPV deal I have long felt that the governments bill to reintroduce TPVs raised no significant libertarian issues. There were some aspects of the process of assessing the 30,000 boat people that might have been improved, but they were not major. Some disagree, but it seems to me the bill was just playing around the edges of what was, in my estimation, a fundamentally flawed immigration policy held by both the Liberals and Labor. I have always considered the LDP policy to be vastly superior. That enabled me to negotiate with the government on the basis that I could easily vote for or against it. I acknowledge the government had a mandate, having taken its policy to the last election, but that only goes so far. As a result of my stance, here is what eventuated: 1. An increase in the humanitarian intake of 7500 in years 3 and 4. (An increase was also sought by Bob Day and Nick Xenophon). Australia should provide a haven for genuine refugees, but it needs to be affordable. Refugees cost taxpayers a lot of money. 2. Those on bridging visas will be permitted to work while awaiting assessment of their refugee status. The ban on working was imposed by the former Labor government but retained by the current government. It is obnoxious and promotes welfare dependency. 3. A path to permanent residence via the SHEVs (Safe Harbour Enterprise Visas). One of the very few Palmer United policies that makes sense, these apply to those found to be refugees who live in regional areas and work for at least 42 months out of 60. 4. A Productivity Commission inquiry into the LDPs immigration policy, based on replacing the current quota system with a tariff. This has the potential to transform Australias approach to immigration. I am satisfied that the fate of those currently held in detention (whether in camps or community) will be improved by the passage of the bill. I acknowledge it is not what they prefer, which is family reunion and immediate permanence, but that is not the point. Every country has a right to control its borders and the government is determined to avoid giving encouragement to people smugglers.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 06:33:32 +0000
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