Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sparked backlash among Aussies after claiming current immigration checks are sufficient.
Albanese made the comment on Sky News Sunday Agenda as host Andrew Clennell pressed him on the matter.
In January, a Freshwater Strategy survey of 1,050 voters found that more than a quarter of respondents were worried about immigration.
The One Nation party has outpolled the Liberals and Nationals in recent surveys, with Pauline Hanson promoting strong anti-immigration policies and calling for a ban on certain Muslim-majority countries following the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Last week, it was leaked to the media that a Liberal Party proposal would block migrants from up to 13 countries or territories - including specific regions of Gaza, Egypt, Somalia, and the Philippines.
The existence of the policy would suspend visa processing for up to three years from regions deemed to be under the control of terrorist organisations.
When asked whether 'there are some countries we could take less people' or whether Australia should 'consider tighter checks', Albanese insisted the current safeguards are sufficient.
'We have tight checks. This is something that politicians shouldn't be allowed to say things that they know isn't true,' he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed concerns there has been too much immigration to Australia from Islamic countries
It comes after the Sydney suburb of Lakemba - which home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country - was brought into the spotlight last week
'Because they know full well that we have checks on migration in this country and that we have checks on visas.'
Albanese added the 'Australian covenant is that if people have any prejudice or hatred, that's left at the customs hall when they arrive in Australia'.
'Overwhelmingly, Australians, regardless of what their faith is, who they are, what their background is, we overwhelmingly live in harmony in this country,' he said.
'It's important that people in positions of authority, including politicians, promote social cohesion.'
Albanese's comments drew some ire, with Aussie accusing him of living in an 'alternative universe'.
Many compared Australia's immigration system to the issues widely reported in the UK.
'Just have a look at the UK... we are two steps behind always,' one shared online.
Another commented: 'Blessedly for Australia, the majority of people no longer give a flying fart what Albanese says or thinks. Like [British PM Keir] Starmer in the UK we are now playing a waiting game till he goes. He is utterly irrelevant.'
A person also pleaded with Albanese to 'open your eyes.'
Hanson ignited fresh controversy last week after claiming parts of Australia have become places 'people can't go to' without feeling unsafe.
Pauline Hanson has dismissed widespread criticism after she claimed parts of Australia have become places 'people can't go to' without feeling unsafe
During a controversial interview on ABC TV, Hanson singled out the western Sydney suburb of Lakemba which has one of the largest Muslim populations in the country.
'It concerns me greatly that people can't go into certain suburbs in this country … And I've been there myself and you feel unwanted, you do not want to be there,' Hanson said.
The remarks come after Senator Hanson said in a separate interview that there were 'no good Muslims', while also suggesting future generations would suffer if more followers of Islam were allowed into Australia.
Australian National Imams Council president Shadi Alsuleiman strongly rejected the firebrand senator's prior comments, saying they reflected a serious misunderstanding of Islam and the Muslim community.
'For many years, she has made inaccurate and harmful statements based on misinformation rather than genuine engagement,' he said.
'Muslims have contributed positively to the growth and advancement of this nation and continue to do so with pride and commitment.'
Senator Hanson has dismissed the criticism from Islamic groups.
