The Libertarian Party believes in private property rights, including the right for property owners to exclude unwanted guests. Immigration policies must respect taxpayer contributions, protect access to public services and infrastructure, and foster a thriving economy that benefits Australian citizens.
Australia’s public infrastructure—roads, parks, hospitals, and more—is not private property, but neither is it unowned. The strongest property claim over this infrastructure lies with the past and ongoing net taxpayers whose money and hard work built it. Living and working in Australia is nearly impossible without using these shared resources. Consequently, reasonable restrictions on immigration, including fees, are a necessary responsibility of the government.
The Libertarian Party supports a merit-based immigration system that aligns with Australia’s needs to strengthen prosperity and benefit the existing society. However, the current points-based system often sees highly skilled immigrants
relegated to low-paying jobs, undermining its purpose. Additionally, immigration levels in recent years have
exceeded what is necessary or sustainable.
A market-based immigration fee would address this, replacing the current bureaucratic system. Fees would offset the burden on public infrastructure, ensuring new immigrants contribute to building the resources they use. Vetting for links to organised crime, diseases, or violent histories would also remain essential.
In labour shortages, businesses could pay the fees for skilled workers or include them in salary packages, reducing red tape. Citizens could sponsor family members or refugees directly.
Australia’s bloated welfare state provides perverse incentives to prospective immigrants. Australia should be a welcoming country for people to live and work in, but not necessarily for people to vote or receive handouts. Welfare should be reserved for citizens, and citizenship should require a shared commitment to building a prosperous, free and fair Australia.
The Libertarian Party will:
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Phase out the bureaucratic quota system.
Incrementally roll back the quota system in favour of market-based solutions, which will be more efficient and deliver better outcomes than systems managed by unaccountable bureaucrats.
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Introduce an immigration fee system.
Introduce a system under which immigrants pay a significant fee or tariff to gain permanent residency into Australia. This will ensure that new immigrants make an upfront contribution to the society they are joining, reflecting their commitment to Australia and helping to offset unavoidable public costs associated with migration.
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Limit short-term visas to a maximum of five years.
Limit short-term visas issued to students, tourists, and temporary workers to a maximum of five years cumulative. This ensures that such visas serve their intended purpose without creating pathways to permanent residency.
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Restrict access to citizenship.
Ensure citizenship is only granted to individuals who have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, passed a basic citizenship test, and demonstrated their ability to remain self-sufficient.
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Restrict welfare to citizens.
Limit new immigrant access to Australia’s welfare system – including by ensuring unemployment benefits, social housing, and pensions are only available to citizens. There will be an amnesty for individuals who already hold permanent residency. Additionally, citizenship would be necessary to obtain spouse visas without paying the immigration fee.
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Avoid entangling alliances with global bodies.
Refrain from entering agreements or treaties with global organisations that impose obligations or dictate Australia’s intake of migrants and refugees. This will ensure that immigration policies remain under national control and align with Australia’s interests.