Calls for in-person interviews for Palestinian visas after Dutton calls for Gaza ban

Palestinians applying to enter Australia should be subject to face-to-face interviews before a visa is granted, the Nationals leader says, but denied the suggestions were discriminatory.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton had called for a halt in the intake of Palestinians fleeing from Gaza until strict security vetting processes could be applied, claiming terrorist sympathisers could be admitted to Australia.

Despite government criticism the opposition had “shut the door” on Palestinian families fleeing conflict, Nationals leader David Littleproud said the vetting process needed to be bolstered.

He said face-to-face interviews were needed for all prospective visa applicants from Palestine to ensure it was not being rushed.

“While we do rely on some of our partners to help us in some of the intelligence around individuals, it’s important for ourselves to also do that around face-to-face interviews,” he told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday.

“Most of those who are here now, the visas were done on average in 24 hours, some in less than an hour. How can we have confidence that the right decisions and the criteria was hit?”

Department of Home Affairs figures showed 7100 visas from Palestine had been rejected, and of the 2922 that had been approved, 1300 had arrived safely in Australia.

More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s bombing campaigns and ground offensives according to the local health ministry.

Israel’s military action followed the Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, in which Israeli officials say about 1200 people were killed and 250 abducted.

Industry minister Ed Husic issued a plea for humanity from the opposition leader following the calls for the immigration ban, saying the coalition had turned their backs on those fleeing violence in the Middle East.

“Peter Dutton was in (government) where he provided support for Syrians, for Afghans and for Ukrainians, and then all of a sudden, just shut the door in one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes we’re witnessing,” he told Sky News on Sunday.

“That speaks volumes about Peter Dutton, someone who is seeking to be an alternative, where he can turn his back on parents that are trying to save lives of their kids, all for the sake of him shoring up his political situation.”

Mr Husic said it was appropriate for tourist visas to be issued to those fleeing from Palestine, due to it being able to be processed faster.

“Refugee visas take longer, and given what’s happening right now and the dangers presented, the view was to try and get people out as quickly as you can,” he said.

“We are trying to assist at some of the toughest points in time that people are facing.”

The federal government has insisted the security vetting process for issuing visas is the same as when the coalition government was in office.

But Mr Littleproud said further checks needed to be carried out to ensure proper process.

“We’re in no way saying in any way, shape or form, that we don’t still welcome those of the Islamic faith to this country,” he said.

“When you’re looking at a war zone and the fluid nature of it, why wouldn’t you put in place the programs and the procedures that were put in place in the past to give Australians comfort.”

Opposition housing spokesman Michael Sukkar accused the government of a “cavalier attitude” to the security vetting process.

“They think that there’s nothing wrong with bringing Hamas sympathisers and supporters potentially to this country,” he told Sky News.

“You’ve got to put the interests of Australians first ... and their interest is not supported by Hamas supporters and sympathisers being granted visas into this country.”