Overview
- Nationals leader David Littleproud backed exploring a values test for temporary visa holders, saying it would highlight the responsibilities of coming to Australia.
- Shadow home affairs spokesman Jono Duniam said options under consideration include visa conditions, revisiting the citizenship test, and higher English requirements for international students.
- Ley signalled the policy will feature “issues around language and values,” while declining to confirm specific measures before the announcement.
- Under current settings, visa applicants sign an Australian Values Statement rather than sit a test, with only citizenship applicants required to pass one.
- Coalition figures say any changes must preserve skilled inflows for regional shortages, as Liberal senator Andrew Bragg warns cuts will not fix the housing squeeze and the party faces pressure from One Nation.