Andrew Willcox (Dawson, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability) | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on a matter that goes to the very heart of who we are as a nation: our migration system. When managed with care and vision, migration doesn't just grow an economy; it truly enriches our nation. It weaves new threads into our national fabric, bringing fresh ideas, vibrant entertainment, incredible food and the vital skills that our industries desperately need to survive. We see this rich heritage displayed proudly right across the electorate of Dawson.

In the southern suburbs of Townsville, the Tamil community has become a pillar of the healthcare system. Many are dedicated doctors, including the wonderful paediatrician who assisted with my very first grandchild.

You cannot look at the story of Ayr without celebrating the vibrant Italian culture that helped build it. I recently was honoured to visit the wonderful Domenica in the Burdekin, who celebrated her 100th birthday. To hear her deeply moving story of her arrival in Australia as a nine-year-old was amazing. From sleeping in cane farm stables, walking four miles to school and not speaking a word of English, this remarkable woman built a wonderful life. The Burdekin was built on the shoulders of resilient pioneers just like her.

In Mackay, the Maltese community have shaped our history with rich and enduring spirit. I was pleased to attend the unveiling of the Maltese Corner statues in the Mackay CBD, a magnificent tribute to three life-size bronze figures of Sam Bezzina, Emanuel Camilleri and John Vassallo. Many of these families still farm sugarcane today, while others have built mighty businesses that form the backbone of our regional economy.

As a former tomato farmer, I know firsthand that the agricultural sector would be completely lost without the visas that allow international workers to fill critical gaps. Without them, crops would literally rot on the ground. In particular, the Vietnamese workers we employed on our farm were some of the most industrious, respectful and resilient people I've ever known. They came to Dawson for a genuine opportunity, never for a handout, and they earned every single dollar through sheer hard work.

This is a success story of Australian multiculturalism, but it only works when it is backed by a willingness to integrate and belong. We welcome people to share this culture with us, but they must adapt to Australia's laws and our way of life. We should never bend or alter our laws or our democracy or our values to suit others. Under the Albanese Labor government, this delicate balance has collapsed into chaos. Labor's migration numbers have been far too high, and the entry standards have been far too low. The government allows unmanageable numbers to flood our capital cities, putting immense pressure on housing and infrastructure. Visa applications for skilled professionals who actually want to contribute to our economy are taking far too long to be processed, trapped and clogged in bureaucracy.

The coalition rejects Labor's version of multiculturalism, which sees different people held to different standards because of their cultural background. This approach is exactly how we ended up with antisemitic hate on our suburban streets, ugly protests on the Harbour Bridge and radical sympathisers allowed back into our communities. The coalition believes in an immigration system where we judge people not by where they come from but by how they respect our laws, how they share our values and how they want to contribute to our country. Australian values are not complicated. They are freedom, respect, fairness, equality of opportunity, the rule of law, democracy and a fair go for all. The coalition's migration plan will put these distinct values back at the absolute centre of our laws, enshrining compliance with the Australian value statement as a universal visa condition. Our policy will strengthen our social cohesion by requiring integration, shut the door on those who abuse the system and show a permanent red light to these radicals.

We must return balance and integrity to our borders, ensuring that migration once again serves to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Australia. After all, Australia is the best country on Earth.