Protesters outside the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh
IN PHOTO: Protesters hold flags and banners as they gather outside the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh October 17, 2014. Protesters rallied in front of Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh against a recent signing of agreement between Cambodia and Australia to resettle potentially hundreds of refugees intercepted trying to reach Australia in exchange for $35 million in aid, an opaque deal widely condemned as a threat to the safety of asylum seekers. REUTERS/Samrang Pring

Prime Minister Tony Abbott denied allegation on Monday, May 4 that the government’s inquiry on immigration system would mean his administration is selling citizenship in a bid to cut down on budget deficit and close down its door to asylum seekers.

Mr Abbott said in a press conference that his government’s request was for Productivity Commission to review proposals in amending the immigration system. But in doing so, Mr Abbott insisted the commission should take into consideration different perspectives and the commission’s statement to make immigration a finance-focused system is unlikely because the coalition government would not allow migrants to earn their permanent residency visas simply by paying entry fees.

The prime minister argued that Australia’s immigration policy is unequivocally and justly based on the country’s best values and interests and as such, Mr Abbott assured the public the policy will remain as it is.

Curbing Budget Deficit

Productivity Commission announced on Friday, May 1 the Australian government is contemplating on adopting a radical system of immigration that centres on the applicant’s financial capacity. At the present, Australia looks at the applicants’ family connection and the nature and level of their skills in allowing access.

The commission contended that should Australia adopt a price-based immigration policy, it will earn several billions which can help curb the country’s budget deficit. In addition, the scheme will also slash down the number of employees involved in the immigration system.

Stopping Deaths

Sydney Morning Herald says the final decision of Australia on its inquiry, which will be released in March, will secure support of Senator David Leyonhjelm in reintroducing temporary protection visas to asylum seekers.

However, Mr Abbott stood by his policy that Australia will not grant asylum to foreigners who reach Australia by boat. The Operation Sovereign Borders, according to the prime minister, is effective in reducing deaths common to asylum seekers during their journey.

“The great thing about Operation Sovereign Borders is that, in stopping the boats, we have stopped the deaths. If you want to keep life safe, you’ve got to keep the boats stopped. But not only has there been a human dividend, a very important benefit from stopping the boats, there has been a budget dividend as well,” said Mr Abbott during the press conference.

For comments or feedback on the article, contact the writer at kizmet@ymail.com.

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