Senior members of Sussan Ley's team have expressed serious reservations about the hardline migration plan secretly developed in the former Liberal leader's office, according to multiple sources. The proposal, which includes banning migration from certain regions in 13 countries, was concocted after the Bondi terror attack and never went to shadow cabinet for discussion, blindsiding senior Liberals when it was leaked to media.
The policy, part of a wider plan to lower immigration, sought to curb migration from 37 regions under the control of listed terrorist organisations. It included regions such as southern Mindanao in the Philippines, which was highlighted after two accused Bondi shooters allegedly travelled there. Federal police believe the two alleged gunmen did not receive training or come into contact with a terror cell while in the Philippines.
Alex Hawke, a former immigration minister and Ley ally, expressed confusion over the Philippines' inclusion, stating, 'I can't understand a good reason why the Philippines would be there.' He confirmed he was consulted on broader immigration principles but not the banned regions proposal, despite his senior roles. The leak has been speculated to protect Ley from criticism and 'wedge' her successor, Angus Taylor, who distanced himself from the proposal.
The policy development began after the Coalition resolved its net zero emissions target in mid-November, with Ley shifting focus to immigration to counter Pauline Hanson's One Nation. By early December, shadow ministers Jonno Duniam and Paul Scarr had developed an overarching plan to lower immigration, but its announcement was delayed twice, finally expanding after the Bondi terror attack. Scarr raised concerns about the impact on humanitarian visas, family reunion visas, and international relations, but the proposal proceeded.
