Morrison called out on migrant settlement policy

The Palaszczuk Government has reiterated its calls for an inter-jurisdictional Ministerial meeting with the Commonwealth to discuss migrant settlement policy.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said despite writing letters to two Federal LNP Ministers seeking meetings, he was yet to receive any reply.

“Scott Morrison is all talk and no action on migrant settlement policy,” he said.

“Mr Morrison is happy to play this out in the media, but he and his Ministers aren’t prepared to do any of the policy hard yards required to deliver actual results.

“Rather than working constructively with Queensland on tackling this issue, the Federal LNP is trying to score cheap political points in the media.

“My offer to meet with Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman remains open.

“Mr Coleman and his predecessor Alan Tudge haven’t even acknowledged my invitations, dating back to July, to meet to discuss this important matter.

“But my door remains open and I’m calling on Scott Morrison to show some leadership and engage meaningfully with Queensland on these important issues.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government was working closely with regional councils through the Welcoming Cities initiative to promote communities that are welcoming and inclusive places for migrants and refugees.

“Welcoming Cities has been in regional areas in Queensland exploring pilot programs to strengthen welcome and inclusion for migrants, and will report back to the State Government in December,” he said.

“Queensland believes in inclusive communities that welcome people, regardless of their background or origin.

"We’ll continue our efforts to make Queensland an even more welcoming place, and we hope the Commonwealth will be a willing partner in this endeavour.”

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548