Angus Taylor has channelled US President Donald Trump in a pledge to ban migrants from welfare programs.
Unveiling the Coalition’s new policy on Thursday, the Opposition Leader said the move was about “putting Australians first”.
“If you are not an Australian citizen, then you don’t get the privileges of an Australian citizen,” he said, urging “people who are committed to this country to become a citizen”.
The ban would apply to 17 welfare programs, including the ballooning National Disability Insurance Scheme and paid parental leave.
Permanent residents would be included in the ban.
“Dishing out billions and billions of dollars to people in this country who are not citizens for welfare – that’s not fair on hardworking Australian citizens, that’s not fair on people who have committed to this country for many years,” Mr Taylor said.
“The simple principle is this – if you commit to this country, we’ll commit to you.
“That’s the Australia I grew up in, and it’s the Australia I want to see again.”
The comments came ahead of his federal budget reply speech, which he said would further detail his “Australians first” vision.
‘Sensible exemptions’
Pressed on the policy later, opposition defence spokesman James Paterson said there would be “sensible exemptions” and ruled out grandfathering changes.
“We’re not going to take away any welfare entitlement for someone who is already here,” he told Sky News.
“This is about sending a message to future migrants that is twofold.
“One, don’t come to Australia if you want to be on welfare. Don’t come here on a visa if you just want to be on welfare.
“And secondly, if you want to have the benefits of citizenship, you should become a citizen.”
He added that he was “very comfortable with the policy” and he thought “it’s very much in line with how most Australians would think the system already operates”.
“I think a lot of Australians would be shocked to know that non-citizens can access welfare,” he said.
More to come
