The timetable for bringing 12,000 Syrian refugees to Australia could blow out as authorities undertake thorough security checks, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has warned.
A Syrian passport, used by the holder to enter Greece as a refugee, was found near the body of one of the Paris suicide bombers, raising concerns about migration paths through Europe.
Australian diplomats in the Middle East have been instructed to ensure strict checks of applicants for the refugee intake.
"We are not going to rush this process," Mr Dutton told the Seven Network on Monday.
"If it means that the timeline is blown out ... that will be a consequence of it."
The biometrics of refugees will be checked with intelligence agencies in other countries to minimise the threat.
Mr Dutton was in Jordan a fortnight ago and is conscious that false documents and passports are circulating inside refugee camps.
"We need to make sure we know who is coming to our country," he said.
Mr Dutton rejected calls from some quarters that Australia needed to close its borders completely to refugees, pointing out that as an island Australia faced a different situation to Europe.
NSW Nationals MP Andrew Fraser has called for tougher border control.
"Message to Malcolm Turnbull: Australia does not need Middle Eastern refugees or Islamic boat people!" the state MP wrote on Facebook.
"Close our borders. We have enough anarchists already resident in Australia."
Share
