Senator Penny Wong hits back in heated exchange with Sunrise host Shirvo – defending the visa approval process for hundreds of Palestinians amid concerns over the extent of scrutiny

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has clashed with Sunrise presenter Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington after questions were raised over whether hundreds of Palestinians who were granted visas under ‘normal’ checks should have been scrutinized more closely.

The Ministry of Interior has issued 860 temporary visas to people in Gaza with Australian connections in the wake of Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel.

Another 1,700 temporary visas have also been offered to Israelis as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues.

On Thursday, James Paterson, the shadow foreign secretary, expressed concern about the rapid approval of visas. He sought assurances from the government that a thorough and rigorous investigation had been applied to the entire process.

Senator Wong defended the visa process and security checks during several breakfast TV interviews on Thursday, including a fiery exchange with Shirvington and Nat Barr on Sunrise.

The interview became heated after Shirvo asked if the minister could guarantee whether strict background checks had been conducted on visa recipients.

She tried to ensure everyone had gone through the proper security and character checks.

‘This people are subject to normal security, identity and character checks,” Senator Wong began.

‘What I also want to emphasize is that the fact that they have been granted a visa does not of course mean that they can leave where they are.

“And we know it has been very difficult for people, including Australian citizens, to leave Gaza. We’ve been working on this for weeks.’

Shirvington interrupted: ‘Normal’ security checks. Shouldn’t it be looked at more strictly?

“I’m not sure what you’re asking me, Shirvo,” a bewildered Senator Wong replied.

He clarified: “There is an unstable situation and the security level has been increased.”

“Yes, we are making sure that people who apply for visas, both family members of people in Gaza but also in Israel, are treated with the right character checks, the right security checks, the right identity checks, and that’s as it should be,” Senator Wong responded before interview was completed quickly.

The Australian government continues to assist 69 people in Gaza after 127 Australians, permanent residents and their families fled the strip.

A short time earlier, Senator Wong was made a similar comment on Channel Nine’s Today show about the visa selection process.

“Those in Gaza will be people with links to Australia, but there are concerns about the timing of this, the number of people and the selection process,” Sarah Abo asked.

‘How do you select candidates?

Senator Wong emphasized that normal checks are taking place.

“I would like to make this point in relation to those in Gaza: that not everyone who gets a visa can leave, and as you know, we have worked for weeks to become Australians, we have worked for weeks to become Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families from Gaza.”

Abo asked whether the government was giving false hope to those trying to flee Gaza.

The minister argued that the government had done its best to get people out.

“We have been working to work with countries and have been working to work with countries in the region to try to make sure that this doesn’t spill over, obviously to make sure that this doesn’t spill over, obviously with very bad consequences for all of us,” That said Senator Wong.

“And we have encouraged and continue to call for the release of the hostages, and continue to call for humanitarian pauses and humanitarian corridors.”

“We all want to take the next steps towards a lasting ceasefire.”

Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson has appealed for reassurances that security forces were not rushed and that appropriate security checks were in place.

He said the number of visas granted in such a tight period was high.

“I am looking for assurance from the government that there have been no cuts,” he told Sky News.

It comes as Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day ceasefire, under which 50 Israeli hostages held in Gaza will be released within hours in exchange for 150 Palestinians held in Israel.

The agreement also allows humanitarian access to the besieged strip.

Senator Wong called the deal welcome progress, but hoped more would follow

“We need to see more,” she told Sunrise.

‘Of course we want all hostages to be released and we want to see real steps towards lasting peace.

She hopes a ceasefire will not be one-sided after the Israeli military said it will remain on high alert, with Hamas previously using such agreements to carry out attacks and take more hostages.

“We know there will be no peace for Israel and the Palestinians unless these steps are taken,” she told ABC.

The Foreign Secretary said it was also important that the divisive conflict in the Middle East did not devolve into hatred and violence in Australia.

“We share a lot as Australians, we share values, we are a country that is accepting and diverse,” she said.