Opposition leader Sussan Ley says the Coalition's forthcoming immigration policy will include "issues around language and values", as her Nationals colleague signalled a values test for temporary visa holders from "challenged parts of the world" will ensure they live up to Australian values.
Cuts to migration levels are reportedly set to form part of a Coalition policy to be unveiled by Ley in the coming weeks.
Speaking to reporters in Tasmania on Sunday, Ley also signalled it will mention "language and values".
"You don't have to wait very long, and those principles will be clearly enunciated," she said on Sunday..
"Unsurprisingly, issues around language and values form part of that conversation.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Values test for those from 'challenged parts of the world'
Earlier, Nationals leader David Littleproud was asked what he thought about the prospect of a values test for those on temporary visas on the ABC's Insiders program.
He said a values test would "demonstrate the value of citizenship" and "principles of freedom".
"I don't think it hurts," Littleproud 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, said it 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 won 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 from Duniam when asked by Sky News, but flagged the party policy would be unveiled before the end of the year.
Feeding racism: Greens senator criticises values test idea
Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi criticised a proposed values test, saying it was "the ultimate dog whistle."
"You can't say migrants aren't a problem and then call for a values screening test to demonise and other them," she said on Sunday.
"This is what is feeding the rising racism in this country."
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 earlier on Sunday..
"There's a massive failing of governments to build the infrastructure that our communities need, and they're rightly concerned about that."
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
