Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Migration

Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Pauline Hanson moved a motion to take note of the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations' response to a question regarding migration figures. Hanson criticised the government for failing to address the presence of illegal visa holders and high immigration levels, which she argued were causing crises in housing, infrastructure, and health services. She also raised concerns about international students working excessively and the release of detainees from detention centres. The Senate agreed to the motion.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Pauline Hanson (QLD) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

Hanson argued that the Minister was unaware of the number of illegal visa holders in the country, citing a figure of 75,400. Hanson contended that high immigration levels, including 1.4 million arrivals, were responsible for pressures on housing, infrastructure, roads, and healthcare systems. Hanson claimed that international students were working excessively to send money overseas rather than studying. Hanson stated that One Nation would remove illegal visa holders and offered support only if the government introduced policies to reduce immigration numbers.