People wanting action taken on the issue of asylum seekers lack compassion according to the Greens, the NSW Nationals Senator Fiona Nash said.
The Greens' policies on immigration and refugees are extremely concerning.
"They want asylum seekers released into the community in as little as 14 days after they arrive, potentially with no medical or security check," Senator Nash said.
"Asylum seekers would also be entitled to travel, work, education, medical and income support while their claims are being assessed.
"And they wouldn't have to do the Australian Values Test that migrants are currently required to do to get citizenship. Migrants wanting to live in Australia should have a basic understanding of our way of life and laws."
Senator Nash was accused of lacking compassion by the NSW Greens Senate candidate, Lee Rhiannon, during a debate this week.
"It is not about a lack of compassion, it's about a proper process and stopping people smugglers," Senator Nash said.
"People smugglers are putting the lives of refugees at risk. A soft approach, such as that of the Greens and Labor, will only encourage this criminal activity. And every place provided to a person who's arrived illegally by boat is a place denied to another in potentially greater need and seeking to come to Australia by legal means.
"That's why the National-Liberal Coalition will introduce tough new penalties to deter people smugglers and make sure they pay a higher price for their crimes.
"We'll also establish an offshore processing centre in Nauru to help stop the tide of illegal boats coming to Australia and reinstate Temporary Protection Visas."
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