The Marches for Australia movement is creating intense, inspiring discussions across the country. Its organisers are getting ready to spell the end of what they term “mass migration”. These marches aim to reclaim Australia’s identity amid growing concerns about immigration levels. Organisers say they are uniquely led by people of all political stripes. In recent years, they’ve drawn the ire of smart growth advocates for their organizational ties and the meaning behind their message.
The movement’s Instagram page is the primary hub for spreading information about the forthcoming marches. It has drawn in equal measure some of the most visionary proponents and vehement detractors. Theoramaturg organisers strongly deny any connections to these alt right, white-supremacists. The movement has given cause for alarm to many on-the-ground community leaders and government officials.
Michael Bayliss, national spokesperson for Sustainable Population Australia, said the marches are indicative of a bigger problem. He argued that this problem reflects a deeper vacuum that speaks to a lack of space to have constructive, respectful dialogue. These conversations are important for grasping the future effects of rising migration on Australian society. His remarks have laid bare a growing anger from some quarters. They’ve been left out of the debate period, as immigration has continued to be discussed nationally.
So it was great to see the recently announced Australian government provisions include such bold plans! This year they’re bringing 185,000 new residents from overseas – strengthening and sustaining their ongoing Permanent Migration Program. It’s a program that has consistently brought in anywhere from 160,000 to 220,000 new people a year for the last ten years. And Australia’s population is expected to jump from 27.1 million today to 31.3 million in a decade. These numbers are fueling debates over the nation’s direction. Narrative change and demographic shifts are seismic. With almost one-quarter of the population over the age of 65 by 2064-65, discussions on both the need for migration and provision of social services will be difficult.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has publicly addressed the marches, asserting that there is “no place in Australia for people who seek to divide and undermine social cohesion.” His statement underscores the federal government’s resolve to protect a cohesive national identity. This commitment continues to be true, even when there is a great disagreement on immigration policy.
Migration is one of the hottest issues in national politics today. In the last few years, Australia’s fertility rate has reached record lows, with demographers forecasting this trend will persist in the coming years. Recent statistics published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reflect a dramatic increase in Indian immigration to Australia during the last 10 years. This influx is shifting the cultural terrain of the country.
In response to the planned marches, the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia issued a statement emphasizing that targeting new arrivals or culturally diverse communities overlooks Australia’s shared history and contributions from various ethnic groups. This view is representative of a deepening worry by leaders in the community about the unintended consequences that could result from the movement’s inflammatory rhetoric.
Jasbir Singh Suropada, Vice Chair of the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria, issued a powerful call to action on behalf of Melburnians. He implored them to avoid zones marked for the upcoming demonstrations. His warning comes out of concern for potential unrest during the gatherings and speaks to the importance of conversation over conflict.
Amar Singh, founder of Turbans 4 Australia, characterized the scheduled protest as an “attack on Australia’s multicultural society.” His powerful statement clearly strikes a chord with most Australians who believe our diversity is our strength and not a weakness. Singh’s comments highlight the clear necessity of creating openness and acceptance between various racial and ethnic groups.
As the date approaches, tensions are high over these marches. It’s imperative that all the integral stakeholders join together to form a positive conversation on the formulation of migration policy and its effects on Australian society. The ongoing debates reflect broader societal concerns about identity, cohesion, and the future direction of the nation.
