Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the Coalition is considering stronger checks on migrant language skills and values as it finalises its new migration strategy for release this year.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister Senator Jonathon Duniam said the party was examining ways to strengthen how commitment to Australia is assessed, including possible changes to visa conditions and the citizenship test.
“We are looking at how best to assess someone’s commitment to our country… and there are a range of ways of doing that, and it may be that, of course, a condition on a visa might be one of those things that we inquire about, or revisiting the citizenship test,” Senator Duniam said.
Migrants currently sign an Australian Values Statement but do not sit a values test unless applying for citizenship. Senator Duniam earlier told the Sunday Telegraph that test standards “do need to be improved”, though no final position has been settled.
Marzena Fordonska, SALIA Lawyers & Associates’ Principal Solicitor, said, “If the government introduces stronger language or values checks, applicants will need to be aware of two things. First, any new requirements must be clearly defined in legislation, which means applicants should expect transitional periods and possible changes to visa conditions. Second, values-based or language-based assessments can only be implemented in a way that is fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory. People already in Australia on temporary visas should watch closely for how these rules could affect future renewals, pathways to permanent residency, or eligibility for citizenship. My advice is to stay informed, keep documentation up to date, and ensure that any future changes do not catch you by surprise.”
Ms Ley said recent community tensions were not caused by migrants themselves, but argued the government had mismanaged migration levels following the post-COVID surge. “That balance is out, this government has not got the balance right,” she said.
The Coalition is working to finalise its policy before the end of 2025, as it seeks to sharpen its stance on migration ahead of the next federal election. Senior MPs have stressed the need to differentiate their approach from Labor while also regaining trust among migrant communities.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said Australia must ensure new arrivals understand the responsibilities that come with living here, citing unrest in Sydney and Melbourne since late 2023. He added that regional areas still face urgent skills shortages and argued that migration settings must support essential occupations.
Debate within the Coalition continues, with some MPs warning against cutting migration too deeply. Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg said blaming migrants for housing pressures was “economically and morally wrong”, arguing that reducing intake would not solve underlying problems.
The Coalition’s final policy is expected to balance values-based measures, community expectations and ongoing labour needs as the party repositions itself on one of the election’s most contested issues.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
