Ruddock blasts government's silence on migration policy with the public
Two former immigration leaders say Australia's migration debate lacks public input.
Two former immigration leaders say Australia's migration debate has lost its way. Philip Ruddock served as immigration minister from 1996 to 2003.
He says his government held regular consultations with communities, business lobbies and Australians Against Further Immigration. Ruddock says those talks, though rarely ending in agreement, helped build legitimacy.
The current government, Coalition and One Nation have all announced plans to cut migration and reshape the role of international students and tradespeople. But Ruddock says nobody has consulted the public.
Former deputy secretary Abul Rizvi says Immigration Minister Tony Burke is failing to explain Labor's policy or counter false claims. Rizvi points out the Liberal Party put out wrong numbers about immigration.
- 1996 to 2003
- Ruddock's tenure
- Tony Burke
- Current Immigration Minister
Why it mattersMigration is reshaping Australia's economy and housing. Decisions made without public input risk losing trust and creating backlash when policy hits the road.
AustraliaAustralians are actively debating migration levels, international students, and worker visas. Without proper consultation, the government risks policies that the public does not understand or accept.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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