New incoming passenger cards an insult

27/9/94

New incoming passenger cards are an insult to visitors, migrants and non Australian citizens resident in Australia, according to Western Australia's Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, Graham Kierath.

The new 'revised' incoming passenger card was introduced on September 1, 1994.

"The form asks questions about a disease the person may have, whether he/she is of unsound mind and if he/she owes the Australian Government money," Mr Kierath said.

"The previous form did not ask any of these questions. 

"I have written to the Federal Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs to seek an explanation as to why they are needed now." 

The new incoming passenger card requires non Australian citizens to declare if they have tuberculosis, have ever been found guilty or acquitted of committing a crime because they were of unsound mind, and if they owe $1,000 or more to the Australian Government. 

"In regard to the $1,000 or more, resident non-Australian citizens returning from overseas would have to declare a pending provisional tax obligation," Mr Kierath said.

He compared the passenger card with that of Singapore, which in contrast stated 'Welcome to Singapore' and did not ask outrageous and offensive questions. 

"Far from being welcoming, this new card is a massive turn off," Mr Kierath said.

"It is an embarrassment to friends, families and all fair-minded Australians that non Australian citizens, either visiting, immigrating or returning home from overseas, are asked these questions.

"Where will the questioning stop in regard to disease   tuberculosis now, what next?

"The Federal Government wants us to be part of Asia and the global economy, yet this is one of the most isolationist acts since the White Australia policy.

"The WA Government will be going all out to achieve a more welcoming, compassionate, equitable and less bureaucratic introduction for visitors and others than that imposed by the Commonwealth.

"The Federal Government is also under attack for its visa policy which has been the subject of considerable criticism by our South East Asian neighbours and our own tourism industry, which has conducted a survey showing that a large number of tourists from that region would not visit this country again because of the visa system.

"With visas and the changes to the incoming passenger card, the Federal Government appears to be doing its best to stifle tourism and offend the countries surrounding us."

Media contact: Brian Coulter 222 9595 / 481 2133