House debates Petitions
Kingsford Smith Electorate: Migration
Matt Thistlethwaite Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs
1:48 pm
On behalf of the migrant communities of Kingsford Smith, I implore the government to reverse this lousy decision to repeal a number of parent visas. In particular, the non-contributory parent visa, the aged dependent relative visa and the carers visa.
This decision shows the Liberal and National parties' complete disdain and contempt for Australian multiculturalism and migrant communities. The effect of this reform is to put family reunion out of the reach of many Australian migrants by forcing them to pay the up-front fee, which is currently around $125,000, to bring your parents or family members to Australia.
Most migrants in Australia simply cannot afford that fee, particularly many in my community. There was no mention of this policy prior to the election. Again, it is another broken election commitment from a lousy government. It was not even debated in this parliament.
Matt Thistlethwaite Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs
Those opposite say that they are for Australian multiculturalism. Those opposite say that they are defending the rights of migrants—
Honourable members interjecting—
Russell Broadbent McMillan, Liberal Party
Order! The Chief Government Whip!
Matt Thistlethwaite Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs
We now know that they are nothing but Orwellian slogans!
Philip Ruddock Berowra, Liberal Party
You have no idea what you are talking about!
Matt Thistlethwaite Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs
This comes on top of changes to the Racial Discrimination Act.
Michelle Rowland Greenway, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Communications
What about the budget!
Russell Broadbent McMillan, Liberal Party
The member for Greenway will desist from interjecting! The member the Kingsford Smith has the call.
Matt Thistlethwaite Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs
It is time for Liberal and National Party MPs to stand up for migrant communities and vote against this reform going through the parliament. (Time expired)