Dutton is a voice of reason, not racism, on terror threat

Chris Kenny draws attention to the Albanese government’s poor handling of national security, immigration and social cohesion, particularly in the context of recent developments involving Gaza refugees (“Reckless and toxic: left hurls abuse amid Labor’s weakness on borders”, 17-18/8).

The government’s approach seems passive and ineffective, with crucial responsibilities left to bureaucrats while public concerns about border security and national safety go unaddressed. With the arrival of migrants from Gaza, some of whom may have connections to Hamas, the government seems to have downplayed the ­security risks and has not adequately vetted these individuals. Notably, only four countries have agreed to consider accepting refugees from the Gaza conflict, and none of these is an Arab nation.

Why Australia? Despite its proximity with ethnic and historical ties to Gazans, Egypt has constructed significant barriers to prevent their entry. A more practical solution might be to relocate these individuals to Egypt, with the possibility of returning them to Gaza to aid in post-war reconstruction.

A recent poll by The Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research found three out of four Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank supported the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7. Like Peter Dutton, I share concerns about integrating into Australian society those who express support for terrorists.

John Kempler, Rose Bay, NSW

While there are considerations for both sides of this unpalatable argument, we are failing to address the needs of the actual refugee. The refugee is not a customer reference number on a visa application but a human being who will have complex needs as a result of this or any conflict. The tragic war to dismantle Hamas, which has been entirely warranted and necessary, has left such trauma in the Palestinian population.

The specialist trauma and medical care that the majority of such refugees will require has not even been considered nor mentioned in this politically ridiculous debate.

How are we going to appropriately take care of thousands or even hundreds of Gazan refugees who will require such urgent priority mental health care? It exemplifies the awful state of politics in this nation. Apart from any of this, policy wise, it is the law in Australia to not allow supporters of terrorist groups into Australia. We should not even be debating this legal fact. Dutton’s interrogation of Gaza asylum policy is not ­remotely racist.

It is the policy of the UNHCR that refugees are best settled to nations where there is a close alignment with language, customs, culture, religion and environment. So why are other Middle East countries baulking at this? Because they don’t want their own populations exposed to Hamas sentiments.

Mary Clarke, Spearwood, WA

After reading about Peter Dutton’s period record as home affairs and immigration minister, nobody could or should label him a racist.

The leader of the opposition has simply called for a stop to the issue of visas to people from Gaza until such time that measures are in place to ensure those entering our nation are fully screened to ensure the safety of Australians is not compromised.

It applies only to people from a war-torn location, governed by a recognised terrorist organisation, not all Palestinians, and is in line with other Western nations. If those who call Dutton a racist knew his record as the minister responsible and took the time to ­review the current government’s mishandling of the matter, they would not make such disparaging and dishonest claims.

Ian Murray, Cremorne Point, NSW

Anthony Albanese last week stood in the parliament and said his government was following proper process in respect to people from Gaza seeking refuge in Australia. This, he claimed, is similar to that followed by the ­Coalition while it was in government (“Labor accused of circumventing proper process of Gaza refugees”, 17-18/8).

While technically he might be correct in that the Albanese government is issuing visitor visas rather than refugee visas because the former is quicker, easier and less complex, Albanese knows full well these “visitors” will want to remain as permanent residents in this country.

John George, Terrigal, NSW