Australian Opposition Proposes Restricting Welfare Access for Non-Citizens

Australia’s welfare bill is forecast to reach nearly $309 billion in 2026-27, accounting for 37.1 percent of the budget.

Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor speaks to the media at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on March 10, 2026. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Australian Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a proposal requiring migrants to become Australian citizens before accessing a range of welfare payments, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Under the policy, non-citizens would be barred from accessing 17 government programs, including JobSeeker, paid parental leave, Family Tax Benefit, and the NDIS, until they obtain Australian citizenship.