Tony Abbott and Angus Taylor have argued we must prevent entry of people who do not share our “Australian values”. Abbott wants a return to immigration policies of the 50s, 60s and 70s but without specifically mentioning the White Australia policy. Beyond the strengthening of the character test through potential listing of hate groups that was recently passed by parliament, what would that involve?

At present, when a person is granted a permanent or temporary visa, they must digitally sign off on an Australian values statement. This includes values such as respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law and parliamentary democracy, equality of opportunity, a “fair go” for all and recognising English as the national language.

When a person signs off on these, they acknowledge and undertake to conduct themselves according to the values. The aim is “to help new residents understand the values that have helped to create a society that is stable and cohesive but, at the same time, dynamic and ​diverse”. At present, a visa holder cannot have their visa cancelled if they don’t fully live up to these values unless they also breach the character test.

Permanent residents also have to sit a test that goes to these values if and when they apply........

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