澳大利亚移民部长Tony Burke原定宣布的移民收紧政策演讲被取消，此举引发内阁部长对政治反弹和经济成本的质疑[1]。该政策旨在加强移民系统管理，包括限制家庭签证申请和打击签证滥用[1]。当前，家庭签证积压超过100,000人，配偶签证平均等待时间为17个月[1]。
Burke所在的Watson选区居民对这一政策表示担忧，认为其将影响多元文化社区[1]。黎巴嫩穆斯林协会秘书长Gamel Khier表示，少数族裔社区将受到严重影响[1]。多个小企业主表示，移民工人对业务运营至关重要，收紧政策可能威胁他们的经营[1]。Burke自2004年赢得Watson选区以来，一直以较大优势保持议席[1]。
Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke has cancelled a scheduled speech announcing stricter immigration measures, as cabinet members raise questions about the political and economic consequences of the proposed policy [1]. The planned announcement would have introduced measures to tighten the immigration system, including restrictions on family visa applications and crackdowns on visa abuse such as overstaying [1].
The postponed policy comes against a backdrop of significant backlogs in the immigration system, with over 100,000 family visa applications waiting for processing and spouse visa applicants facing an average wait time of 17 months [1]. Burke's decision to shelve the announcement has sparked considerable concern among his Watson electorate constituents, who worry about the impact on multicultural communities and small business operations [1]. Gamel Khier, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association, expressed concern that minority communities would face severe consequences from such restrictions [1]. Multiple small business owners have emphasised that immigrant workers are essential to their operations [1]. Burke has maintained his Watson seat with substantial majorities since winning it in 2004 [1].