Value-added visa leaves Kim vulnerable to vigorous invective
Kim Beazley’s has revealed his ideas on linking the approval of Tourist and Visitor visas to what appears to be a temporary pledge to Australian values. The idea, which has not gone down well with many Labor MPs, suggests that good old fashioned Aussie values should be endorsed by foreign nationals before they are issued with a visa to Australia. The value added visa plan includes respect for women.
Given that the idea was announced on september 11, it appears to be a simple case of political opportunism, rather than an essential ingredient to a coherent immigration policy.
The value-added visa was widely vilified in caucus, with the suggestion that it was another example of cynical political posturing from Kim Beazley. The prime minister has suggested that he is actually considering the idea, but has also pointed out that anyone planning to commit any criminal acts while in Australia would have no hesitation in making a false pledge of allegiance.
Labor MPs are also concerned that the move could foment divisiveness within the Australian community.
