Barnaby Joyce, a One Nation Member of Parliament, defended a proposal to ban migrants who have traveled to high-risk countries from entering Australia [1].
The proposal targets individuals who have visited regions listed on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) "Do Not Travel" advisory. This push represents a significant tightening of potential border controls based on travel history rather than specific criminal records.
Joyce said the measure is necessary for national security and social cohesion. He questioned the necessity of migration from these specific regions, asking, "Why are people coming from there?" [1].
According to Joyce, the restriction is a matter of safeguarding the domestic environment. He said, "It’s all about making sure we have an Australian culture, and we protect it" [1].
The proposal suggests that travel to DFAT-listed "no-go" zones serves as a proxy for risk. By barring these individuals, One Nation argues that Australia can better manage the safety of its citizens, and the integrity of its cultural identity [1].
Critics of such policies often argue that travel advisories are broad and may penalize individuals fleeing conflict or persecution in those same regions. However, Joyce said the priority must remain the protection of the Australian state [1].
“"Why are people coming from there?"”
This proposal signals a shift toward using administrative travel warnings as a basis for immigration exclusion. If implemented, it would move Australia toward a more restrictive security screening process that penalizes travel to volatile regions, regardless of the traveler's individual intent or circumstances.
