this post was submitted on 13 Jul 2026
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Walk me through this logic? Why should people that choose to join (or are born in) Australian citizenry pay more to make it fair for a limitation of RoK citizenship?
Let's discuss whether the visa fee is too high, for sure. But suggesting a penalty for Australian citizens to "not discriminate" against someone that has chosen not to become a citizen is absolutely ludicrous to me.
It's a horrible charge, nothing but a discriminatory money grab. So grab money from everyone, then at least it's not discriminatory.
I initially thought you meant discrimination between rich and poor, but "grab money from everyone" still discriminates against people that can't afford the visa/passport.
Citizens have rights and eligibilities that non-citizens don't. That's not discrimination that needs to be addressed; it's national sovereignty. Non-citizens aren't eligible for HECS, aren't eligible to vote, aren't eligible for a passport, and aren't eligible for federal jobs. Non-citizens aren't eligible for these because they are not Australian.
Live here and choose to become an Australian, or live here and choose to not become an Australian. Choose the latter and you'll need a visa.
For the record; I think the Returning Resident visa fee is exorbitant. I also think the suggestion that Australians should pay more so it's fair for non-Australians is ridiculous.
Regarding the "rich and poor", international travel is generally beyond the means of the poor anyway, depending on where you draw the line. I'd rather see high fees on stuff like passports and have public dental care and other essentials funded.
Or it could be cheaper for everyone, we already have the world's most expensive passport