The Peter Dutton question Anthony Albanese didn’t answer – as Zali Steggall faces legal action

Federal Independent MP Zali Steggall maintains her position that a ban on Palestinians fleeing war-torn Gaza is “racist” given the potential legal action it would bring.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton last week called for people leaving Gaza to be banned from entering Australia until security checks are tightened, saying that terrorist sympathisers would then be allowed to enter the country.

His comments were widely condemned by Muslim and Palestinian advocacy groups.

Ms Steggall, who holds the NSW seat of Warringah, was booed during a parliamentary debate last week after she called on opposition parties to “stop being racist”.

When asked about reports that Mr Dutton was seeking legal advice over her comments, Ms Steggall reiterated her claims.

“I would regard that as a tried and true part of Mr Dutton’s strategy to bully and intimidate people by challenging his policies and behaviour,” she told ABC radio on Monday.

“I maintain my position that this policy proposal is inherently racist and is designed to instill fear and hatred against a minority group.”

The non-partisan MP said this had to be denounced “in the interests of our social cohesion”.

Peter Dutton said allowing Palestinians to enter Australia without proper screening was a matter of national security

Teal MP Zali Steggall (pictured in the House on Thursday) criticised Mr Dutton as ‘racist’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese again called Dutton “deeply divided” but refused to say the opposition leader was racist in an interview with the ABC.

“I think Peter Dutton is deeply divisive and poses a risk to the nation,” he said.

‘I was stunned when we welcomed our Olympians last week, a moment of national unity that showed once again that no moment is too big to show its smallness.

‘It’s always about politics. With Peter Dutton, everything is about politics, and everything is about division.

“Peter Dutton knows very well that the same security services, yes, the same personnel, in many cases, are dealing with national security issues. If he has no confidence in them, he should say so.”

According to Mr Albanese, people were unable to leave Gaza after the Rafah border crossing was closed by Israeli authorities.

The opposition’s foreign spokesman, Simon Birmingham, rejected claims that Dutton was trying to sow fear.

“What we’re seeing from the Prime Minister and some of the big boys, like Zali Steggall, who all promised a kind of kinder, gentler policy, is that they’re really happy to play the man rather than the ball,” he told ABC radio.

“They are happy to attack Peter Dutton personally, rather than focus on the policy debate here.”

Senator Birmingham said the Coalition believes the strictest possible screening should be applied to ensure people settling in Australia are not terrorist sympathisers.

“We believe that everyone should fully understand the situation in Gaza, which is incredibly complex and tragic because of the loss of life. However, research also shows that Hamas has support throughout the community,” he said.

Figures from the Department of Home Affairs show that 7,100 visas from Palestine were rejected and that of the 2,922 visas approved, 1,300 arrived safely in Australia.

According to the Hamas-controlled local Health Ministry, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli bombings and ground offensives.

Last week, Mr Dutton told Sky News: “I don’t think people should be coming out of that war zone at this time.”

“That is not wise and I think it endangers our national security.”