The Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for a “temporary” ban on accepting Palestinian refugees. The Prime Minister called it an act of division for political gain.
Dutton said Australia shouldn’t accept refugees due to an unspecified national security risk.
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“It’s a discussion with the national security team, and I’ve done that and it’s in our country’s best interests,” Dutton said.
Dutton called for a ban on Wednesday morning in a Sky News interview at an Olympics homecoming event. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggested his remarks were “off the cuff”.
The calls came as Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke explored possible visa solutions for more than 1300 Gazans already in Australia whose permits are soon due to expire.
On Thursday, Mr Dutton reaffirmed his position in an interview on Nine’s Today Show and defended himself against accusations he was “racist” or “heartless”.
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