Dutton should resign over comments: Wilkie

Federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie has called on Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to resign over his suggestion that "illiterate and innumerate" refugees would swamp welfare queues and take the jobs of Australians.

He labelled Mr Dutton's remarks racist and disgusting, adding they should cost the minister his job, if not by resignation then by prime ministerial sacking.

"This is proof that the government's border protection policies are just all about racism, fear and division," Mr Wilkie said.