Gazan refugees must clear high bars to settle here

As a prosperous, open-hearted nation with a record of harmonious intercultural relations, Australia has long provided a safe haven for successive waves of refugees, entering through orderly, fair processes. Over time, most enriched our society. But against the backdrop of hate-filled conflicts such as that unleashed by Hamas in Israel on October 7 last year, slaughtering 1200 Jews and kidnapping 250, many of whom remain captured, extreme caution is needed before accepting Gazans from the war zone, however dire their situation. Australian values are anathema to Hamas backers, who would not hesitate to disturb the peace, or worse, bring violence. The group, headed by Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7 slaughter, already has a small, hard core of support here. It was evident in the jubilant celebrations in western Sydney on October 8 and violent demonstrations, including burning the Israeli flag, near the Sydney Opera House the following night.

Last week, Immigration Minister Tony Burke told parliament that since October 7, the Department of Home Affairs had granted 2922 visas to holders of Palestinian travel documents and rejected more than 7100 applications. So far, 1500 successful applicants had journeyed here. Australians may be uneasy to learn that the Albanese government is one of the most generous in the developed world in accepting Gazans. Figures compiled by the opposition show that as of July 31, the US had accepted 17 Palestinian refugees since October 7, Ben Packham reports. Britain has issued 168 protection visas; New Zealand has accepted 153 Palestinians for temporary and residence visas, and is prioritising applications for those with family in the country. By June, Canada had given just 254 Palestinians temporary visas, and 41 had received family program visas. France had accepted 260 Gazans by April and requires applicants to undergo biometric tests in Israel, making it technically impossible for them to apply.

On the ABC, ASIO director-general Mike Burgess recently differentiated between material and rhetorical supporters of Hamas. Yet many Australians believe that no form of backing for Hamas has a place in our society, which is deeply riven over the Palestinian issue and the gross anti-Semitism it has bred. In parliament, eager to deflect claims his government was weak on security, Anthony Albanese selectively quoted Mr Burgess that Palestinians from the war zone were undergoing ASIO assessments. But the Prime Minister omitted to mention that Mr Burgess made clear that ASIO intervened only when applicants were flagged as potential risks.

As we said last week, a blanket ban on visas for all travellers from Gaza, as demanded by Peter Dutton, could go too far. Provided a high bar is set for entry, there should be no reason to ban Gazans who meet rigorous visa requirements and are not Hamas sympathisers. But erring on the side of caution is preferable, in this situation, to reckless generosity to appease the left and large Muslim communities in some seats. Hamas is a deadly foe, especially to Jews and also to the West. Ultra-vigilance is needed to keep its backers out. Gazan applicants who cannot establish their bona fides to enter must miss out. Processing applicants through visiting or tourist channels is not adequate; the more demanding criteria for refugee applicants should be used.

Not all Gazans are Hamas supporters. The group was elected to power in 2006. Subsequent elections were, at the behest of the terrorists, cancelled or postponed. Possibly they are unable to speak up, or too frightened, but few Palestinians inside or outside Gaza have derided Hamas for its cruel mistreatment of Gazans as human shields and for their commanders’ failures to distribute available aid fairly or free the remaining Israeli hostages, which would bring much suffering on both sides to an end. Trying to integrate their supporters in Australia is not a sensible or prudent option.