A values test on foreigners visiting Australia would ensure temporary visa holders from "challenged parts of the world" live up to Australian values, the leader of the National Party says.
David Littleproud made the comment on ABC's Insiders program on Sunday after being asked what he thought about the prospect of a values test for those on temporary visas, as the Coalition mulls a revamped immigration policy.
Cuts to migration levels are reportedly set to form part of a Coalition policy to be unveiled by Liberal leader Sussan Ley in the coming weeks.
Values test for those from 'challenged parts of the world'
When asked about a values test for temporary visa holders, the leader of the junior Coalition partner, Littleproud, said a values test would "demonstrate the value of citizenship" and "principles of freedom".
"I don't think it hurts," he said.
"I think there is a risk that we as Australians can't import the hate that permeates in some other parts of the world.
"It's important we make sure that when we do bring people from those challenged parts of the world, that they understand they are coming here with responsibility, a responsibility to live up to the values and principles that our great country has been built on."
Temporary and permanent visa applicants are required to agree to an Australian Values Statement as part of their application. The statement points to values including freedom of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, and equality. Permanent applicants have an additional statement regarding a commitment to learning the English language.
English language tests under scrutiny
Separately, one of the men in charge of formulating the Coalition's policy, opposition home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam, says the policy could include a new test.
"We are looking at how best to assess someone's commitment to our country … and there are a range of ways of doing that, and it may be that, of course, a condition on a visa might be one of those things that we inquire about, or revisiting the citizenship test," he told News Corp on Sunday.
He also reportedly flagged the strengthening of English language requirements for foreign students, if the Coalition wins the next election.
"I think the requirements, the standards of these tests, do need to be improved," he said.
Ley would not confirm the statements, but flagged the party policy would be unveiled before the end of the year.
"They will include a variety of things," she told Sky News.
The Coalition faced criticism earlier this year after comments made by Northern Territory senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.
"My criticism of this government around migration policy is … not a criticism of any migrant or migrant community," Ley said.
"There's a massive failing of governments to build the infrastructure that our communities need, and they're rightly concerned about that."
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