Visa politics and the cost to Australia

It began quietly enough — the Albanese Government denied entry to Israeli former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, citing her inflammatory rhetoric toward Palestinians.

At the time, many viewed it as a single gesture of domestic point-scoring. But now, with Tony Burke’s latest move to cancel the visa of another Israeli figure, it’s clear this is becoming a disturbing pattern — and precedent shapes policy.

This is deeply troubling. Foreign policy demands consistency and principle, not reactive politicking. The message being sent is that visas — and by extension, diplomatic access — are now negotiable, subject to domestic political whims.

Consider Hillel Fuld, a respected pro-Israel voice and dual U.S.-Israeli citizen. His visa was revoked only days before he was due to speak in Australia. Then came Simcha Rothman, a sitting member of Israel’s parliament. Before them, Shaked. Each case is different, but together they form a clear trajectory: a government increasingly willing to exclude Israelis from entering Australia, not on grounds of security or law, but on ideology.

And this comes on the heels of the Albanese Government’s formal announcement to recognise a Palestinian state. That decision — a deeply divisive break from decades of bipartisan foreign policy — signalled the tilt many in the Jewish community had long feared. And the hits keep coming: recognition of Palestine one week, another Israeli figure barred the next. Each move reinforces the perception that Israel is being singled out — and it is Jewish Australians who are left to absorb the consequences.

Even more worrying is the way these decisions appear to be made. The Minister for Home Affairs and the Foreign Minister seem to be working in lockstep, complimenting each other in a cycle of poor judgment and outright impunity. Instead of acting as checks and balances on one another, they reinforce and validate decisions that undermine Australia’s credibility. What should be sober, deliberative processes grounded in principle look more like political choreography designed to appease certain domestic factions.

For the Jewish community in Australia, these decisions are not abstract. They have real consequences. Each cancellation sends a signal that Israel, and by extension those who identify with it, can be treated differently than other democratic allies. Along with the growing tide of anti-Israel hostility and antisemitism, these acts don’t happen in a vacuum — they deepen a climate in which Jews feel less secure, less supported, and more vulnerable.

Every visa cancellation emboldens those who wish to delegitimise Israel, normalising the idea that Israel is uniquely excluded from the courtesies of diplomacy. And in turn, that exclusion filters down into society, reinforcing prejudice, fuelling division, and giving confidence to those who thrive on hostility.

The question is: where does this lead? Today it is Israeli ministers and advocates. Tomorrow, will it be American, British, or European figures who say something unpopular in Canberra? Once exclusion becomes a political tool, the line between principle and expedience disappears — and with it, Australia’s reputation as a fair and reliable partner.

This is not only about Israel. It is about what kind of country we want Australia to be. Are we a nation that values dialogue and engagement, or are we becoming one that shuts doors and silences voices to score domestic political points?

Australia must urgently reconsider this path. If our government continues to weaponise visas and foreign policy for domestic consumption, we will alienate allies, undermine our credibility, and embolden hate at home. Leaders of all parties, faiths, and communities need to speak up — because this is bigger than any single minister or visitor. It is about the principles that underpin our democracy, our alliances, and our social fabric.

The time to restore consistency, fairness, and principle in Australia’s foreign policy is now — before the damage becomes lasting, and before trust, both at home and abroad, is irreparably broken.

By Michael Gencher, Executive Director, StandWithUs Australia