More than 77,000 people are now living in Australia illegally.

Let that sink in.

That’s a city the size of Bundaberg operating outside the rules, outside the system, and outside the expectations every Australian is asked to meet. 

This is a direct failure of leadership.

Labor simply cannot be trusted to control the border.

Australians believe in fairness. We welcome people who come the right way, who follow the process, who respect the system. But what we’re seeing now is a government that refuses to enforce its own laws. That sends a message across the world that Australia is soft.

And soft borders create exploitation.

We end up with underpaid illegal workers, thriving criminal networks, rising pressure on housing, and lower wages. Our communities carry the cost while politicians in Canberra sit on their hands.

This is exactly why strong borders matter: they are the foundation for a safe and prosperous country.

Thankfully, the Coalition under Angus Taylor are starting to see the light. We must crack down on illegal immigration and restore integrity to the system so that Australians are put first.

Labor wants to talk about compassion. But real compassion starts with a controlled border.

Control of who comes in. Control of who stays. Control of a system that works for Australians.

77,000 people living here illegally is a flashing red warning sign.

Australians deserve a government that sees it and acts.