Phl among countries cited in proposed Australian ban on terrorist-controlled regions

Australia’s Liberal Party has proposed a policy that could ban immigrants from terror-controlled regions in 13 countries, including areas in the Philippines, drawing attention in Manila amid ongoing security and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

According to a report by an Australian-based media outlet, the proposed policy could designate up to 37 regions under the control of 15 listed terror organizations. Countries cited include Afghanistan, Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Somalia and Yemen.

The policy was prepared under former opposition leader Sussan Ley, shadow immigration minister Paul Scarr and shadow home affairs minister Jonno Duniam. However, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said he had not seen the details of the proposal and confirmed it had not been approved by the shadow cabinet, shadow Expenditure Review Committee or the leadership group.

Immigration has become a dominant political issue in Australia following a recent terror attack in Bondi Beach, with support reportedly rising for hardline immigration positions.

Mr. Taylor told Sky News Sunday Agenda that immigration “is not about any particular race or religion.”

“Our focus is on bringing people to this country who believe in our values, who come here because they know this is the greatest nation on earth,” he said.

“If they reject our focus on democracy… our basic freedoms, freedom of speech, freedom of religion – if they reject those things, the door must be shut.”

When asked whether he was concerned about immigration from Muslim-majority countries, Taylor reiterated that “this is not about any particular race or religion,” but about “people who accept our way of life.”

He also called for a greater role for intelligence agencies in screening migrants to ensure they do not bring “hate and violence” from overseas.

For the Philippines, the inclusion of regions in the country — long battling extremist groups in parts of Mindanao — comes despite years of counterterrorism cooperation with Australia. Canberra has previously provided military training and intelligence support to Philippine forces, particularly in the fight against ISIS-linked militants.

The proposal has not yet been formally adopted as party policy, but it underscores how immigration and national security have taken center stage in Australia’s political debate.

The Philippines and Australia maintain close diplomatic and defense ties, with both countries recently elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership. Any policy that could affect Filipino migration to Australia may draw scrutiny from Manila, particularly given the significant Filipino community living and working there.