The article details the development of a contentious immigration policy within Australia’s Liberal Party, initiated by the office of former leader Sussan Ley after a terror attack in Bondi. The proposal aims to prohibit migration from specific regions, particularly Gaza and Somalia, and was crafted without discussion in shadow cabinet, catching many within the party off-guard when it was leaked. This has led to criticism of Ley and speculation regarding the motivations behind the leak, suggesting it may have been aimed at protecting her from backlash over policy gaps.

As the new opposition leader Angus Taylor attempts to distance himself from the hardline proposal, the article highlights division and unrest within the Liberal Party regarding immigration strategies. Multiple senior Liberal sources have expressed discomfort with how the initial set of immigration principles evolved into what some have termed a Trump-style agenda. This comparison elicits significant implications for the party’s image and approach to immigration, which has historically been a contentious issue in Australian politics.

The controversy surrounding the leak of the policy's details signifies broader challenges for the Liberal Party, as it navigates leadership changes and public opinion on immigration. The response from the party’s leadership underscores the urgent need for coherent policy development and communication to address both internal dissent and external scrutiny, particularly around issues as sensitive and impactful as immigration.