Angus Taylor accused of ‘dog-whistling’ and marginalising immigrants over plan to cut benefits to non-citizens
Summary
Opposition member Angus Taylor proposed cutting some government benefits for permanent residents in Australia, limiting them to citizens only. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Taylor’s plan, saying it unfairly targets immigrants and copies the anti-immigrant stance of the One Nation party.Key Facts
- Angus Taylor suggested restricting disability, jobseeker, and other welfare benefits to Australian citizens, excluding permanent residents.
- Permanent residents often pay taxes and may live in Australia for years before becoming citizens.
- Welfare payments like jobseeker and disability have waiting periods of 4 to 10 years for eligibility.
- Taylor said citizenship should have more value and people should aim to become citizens.
- Prime Minister Albanese accused Taylor of "dog-whistling," a term meaning coded language that targets a group, and copying One Nation’s immigration policies.
- One Nation recently won the Farrer seat, surpassing the Coalition’s vote share there.
- The Refugee Council of Australia said such policies may create division and hurt those who already contribute to society.
- Taylor also wants to link migration numbers to new housing developments and criticized current government priorities on pensions and health insurance.
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