‘Debased himself’ and risking Australia’s reputation: Liberals torn up about Taylor’s Trumpian immigration plan

Howard-era former minister Amanda Vanstone criticises parts of hardline policy but backs English language requirement

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Former Howard government minister Amanda Vanstone has warned Angus Taylor against turning immigration into heavy-handed law enforcement, saying most migrants from countries run by dictators and extremists move here to escape authoritarianism.

Releasing the first elements of a new hardline immigration policy on Tuesday, the opposition leader sparked criticism from refugee advocates, Pauline Hanson and even one sitting Liberal MP, who all likened the plans to policies from US president Donald Trump.