THE HON RICHARD MARLES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND BORDER PROTECTION

MEMBER FOR CORIO

MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTULRALISM

SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS

MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

MEDIA RELEASE
 

ABBOTT AND HOCKEY MUST GUARANTEE NO MORE VISA AND MULTICULTURAL CUTS

After savaging a variety of family visa categories and ripping out $33 million from multicultural and social inclusion programs, Treasurer Joe Hockey has today flagged further cuts to save his chaotic Budget.

Speaking on ABC’s AM Program:

Now, if the Senate chooses to block savings initiatives, then we need to look at other savings initiatives that may not require legislation and I would ask the Greens and the Labor Party who between them hold 35 votes on the floor of the Senate – to understand that there are alternatives for a Government.

JOE HOCKEY – AM PROGRAM – 16 JULY 2014 

The Abbott Government’s arrogant threats throw into doubt the future of remaining visa categories and multicultural and settlement services funding and it should guarantee the future of these important programs.

Settlement service providers and community groups, including many Migrant Resource Centres, need certainty in the sector to function effectively and efficiently. This Government seems hell-bent on disrupting the great work they do to build a more inclusive society.

Bill Shorten and Labor will fight this unfair Budget which is based on lies to the Australian people.

WEDNESDAY, 16 JULY 2014