Feb 16 β€’ 10:12 UTC πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί Australia ABC News AU

'Has no validity': Taylor denies knowledge of Ley immigration policy

New Coalition leader Angus Taylor denies knowledge of an immigration policy aimed at banning entry to Australia from certain terror-declared areas.

The new leader of the Coalition in Australia, Angus Taylor, has publicly denied any knowledge of an immigration policy that was purportedly developed under Sussan Ley, the former leader. This policy reportedly aimed to ban individuals from entering Australia if they were from specific regions identified as terror-declared, such as parts of Gaza, Somalia, and the Philippines. Taylor's remarks came during an interview on the program 7.30, where he emphasized that since Ley lost her leadership position, the document in question lacked validity.

According to Taylor, he had not seen the policy document and questioned its legitimacy, stating that it had not undergone the proper channels through the shadow cabinet or received endorsement from the leadership. He expressed a sense of confusion, indicating that he did not know the origins of the document or its contents. This declaration reflects his intention to distance himself from the policy, which may have broader implications for the Coalition's stance on immigration and national security.

The political landscape within the Coalition is fluid, especially following Ley's departure, and Taylor's refusal to acknowledge the policy highlights the ongoing challenges the party faces as it realigns under new leadership. Other figures in the party, including Senators Jonno Duniam and Paul Scarr, have also distanced themselves from the proposed policy, indicating a potentially unified front against it. This could suggest a shift in the Coalition's approach to immigration policy in the wake of Taylor's ascent to leadership, potentially impacting future discussions on national security and immigration practices in Australia.

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