Nationals Leader Draws on 1950s Policies in Migration Debate

Matt Canavan recalled the hurdles his grandparents needed to overcome before obtaining citizenship, saying that approach should be reinstated.
Nationals Leader Draws on 1950s Policies in Migration Debate
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan during Senate Estimates at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Oct. 8, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
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As migration continues to dominate political debate in Australia, Nationals Leader Matt Canavan has shared a story from his family history that he believes offers a model for a modern approach.

The Queensland politician believes new migrants are not undergoing sufficiently rigorous checks, and that combining traditional methods with modern technology would make Australia safer.

Crystal-Rose Jones
Crystal-Rose Jones
Author
Crystal-Rose Jones is a reporter based in Australia. She previously worked at News Corp for 16 years as a senior journalist and editor.