Frydenberg Urges Migration Overhaul as ‘National Self-Defence’ Following Bondi Tragedy
Josh Frydenberg warns Australia is following a ‘dangerous’ European path, arguing migration must be reframed as a pillar of national security.
Former federal MP for Kooyong and Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg addresses the media following a press conference at the Hawthorn Velodrome Patterson Reserve in Melbourne, Australia on May 22, 2022. AAP Image/James Ross
Former Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has called for a radical shift in the nation’s migration vetting, arguing that legal entry must be treated as a matter of “national self-defence” following the deadliest terror attack in Australian history.
Addressing the Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney, the Goldman Sachs Australia chairman linked “a failure of leadership” to the Dec. 14 Bondi massacre, warning that without more rigorous border controls, Australia risks the “disharmony and division” currently seen in Europe.
Migration as National Security
In a move likely to spark political debate, Frydenberg argued that the vetting process is failing to filter out those who do not uphold Australian democratic values.
Crystal-Rose Jones is a reporter based in Australia. She previously worked at News Corp for 16 years as a senior journalist and editor.