From Domainfax:
Unions have warned against the privatisation of Australia’s borders, saying new plans for private operators to run the nation’s international visa system could undermine a core function of government.
…The department hopes the overhaul will prepare it for an expected 50 per cent surge in visa and citizenship applications by 2026, when numbers are predicted to top 13 million a year. Costs could be passed on to migrants and tourists coming to Australia.
Community and Public Sector Union national secretary Nadine Flood said she had deep concerns about the visa services plan.
“We are seeking an urgent briefing to fully understand the repercussions of this for the security and integrity of Australia’s borders and for thousands of DIBP workers whose jobs now appear to be at risk,” she said.
“Australia’s visa system is critical to the national interest but it should never be described as a ‘business’ in the way the department has done. DIBP’s consultation paper talks of making visas and citizenship simple, clear and fast but makes no mention of ensuring they’re safe and secure.”
Ms Flood said the plan represented “privatising our borders not modernising them.”
It is not a “plan” so much as the last great convulsion of lunacy before immigration is cut.
