Senator Matt Canavan today called for an end to mass migration and the closure of Australia's borders, directly challenging what he termed the "naive belief that open borders for goods and people are always and everywhere a good thing." The Nationals leader presented his "Patriot Agenda for an Australian Economic Revival" at the National Press Club, outlining a vision for national self-determination and a reversal of policies that have led to reliance on foreign nations.
Canavan, in his first major address since winning the Nationals leadership last month, proposed an "Australian economic revolution" rather than a mere "replay or a reset." He stated that "revival" would not come from "tinkering around the edges," but would require the "long-overdue slaying of sacred cows."
The first of these "sacred cows," according to Canavan, is the "naive belief that open borders for goods and people are always and everywhere a good thing." This statement directly confronts the transnational elite consensus on globalized labor and trade.
His plan includes a call to close borders to "mass migration." Canavan also argued for measures to boost the national birthrate, including favorable tax settings for dual-income households and promoting working from home.
These demographic policies, he stated, would help increase populations in Australia's regions and smaller towns, counteracting the effects of urban strain.
The Globalist Consensus Challenged
Canavan's agenda directly targets the "net zero plan," advocating for its termination, along with the scrapping of all carbon taxes and an end to all bans on energy production within Australia. He asserted that ending these policies is key to a successful manufacturing industry and domestic fuel security.
He argued that "To restore sovereign capability and unleash energy abundance, we must end net zero, scrap all carbon taxes and end all bans on energy production in Australia." This position stands in direct opposition to the Albanese government's multi-billion-dollar push for renewables.
The Senator identified the steel industry as a sector that requires protection, stating it has fallen victim to overseas imports. He highlighted that "Australia is the largest exporter of coking coal and iron ore in the world, the two main ingredients to make steel."
Canavan lamented that Australia "should not need to import foreign steel" but has become reliant on other countries for this basic material, mirroring the nation's reliance on foreign fuel due to a lack of protective barriers.
Reclaiming National Capability
The "Patriot Agenda" includes a national works program designed to build critical infrastructure projects. These projects encompass new dams and roads, as well as seaports and spaceports, aiming to rebuild national capacity.
Canavan emphasized the strategic importance of a domestic space industry, noting that "Our continent is uniquely placed for rocket launches." He suggested a renewed space age could secure Australia's communications, defence, and national security interests, while also boosting regional populations.
He also called for dam building and refurbishment to protect Australia's "food bowl," specifically referencing the Murray-Darling Basin and the need for water security for growers. The Coalition has already announced a commission of inquiry into the Murray-Darling.
The People's Mandate
Canavan pointed to Albury Wodonga Health as an example of failed service delivery in regional areas, noting its executive management was the subject of a no-confidence vote by doctors last month. This issue is shaping up to be a major election concern leading into the May by-election.
The upcoming Farrer by-election is being discussed as a litmus test for the new opposition leader and an "ascendant One Nation," indicating a growing popular resistance to established major party politics. Canavan's plan to grow and develop regional Australia aims to relieve strain on services in big cities and boost those in country areas, addressing the concerns of the native working class.
He argued that promoting working from home in professional jobs and public services would make regional relocations possible for families, stating, "The public service should lead by example, and we should look at tax incentives or infrastructure concessions to encourage it in the private sector too."