The Coalition government’s harsh, punitive approach to immigration is under fire. It does so to fill regional skills gaps and at the same time defend against increasing anti-immigration backlash. David Littleproud, the party’s spokesperson on agriculture and rural affairs, emphasized the need to tackle skill shortages in regional areas during recent discussions. His remarks come on the heels of an anti-immigration rally led by Senator Pauline Hanson in Melbourne. There, she announced immigration as the country’s number one crisis.
Anti-immigrant tensions are on the rise. In an admirable display of statesmanship, probably too much to win an election, Sussan Ley, the Coalition’s health and aged care spokesperson, ruled out scapegoating migrants for the problems that Australia faces today. Ley’s message underscored the government’s challenge in upholding a balanced approach to immigration. Yet, this challenge has only grown, particularly with the recent influx of migrants since the onset of the COVID pandemic.
The Coalition now finds itself on the back foot against One Nation, a political party that is rapidly increasing its popularity by exploiting fears about immigration. This has caused the Coalition to rethink its hard line on immigration after the Coalition’s electoral defeat in May.
Regional Skills Shortages Highlighted
In parliamentary discussions, David Littleproud highlighted the urgent skill and workforce shortages crippling communities in regional and outback Australia. In his remarks, he called attention to a wide range of professions experiencing shortages from doctors, nurses, urban planners, and construction workers.
“When you’ve seen the discord on the streets, particularly of Sydney and Melbourne over the last two years since October 2023, I think there is a risk that we as Australians can’t import the hate that permeates in some other parts of the world,” – David Littleproud.
Littleproud’s comments reflect a broader understanding of the complex and rapidly shifting socio-political terrain that Australia is currently traversing. He stressed that any migration policy must consider these regional needs while ensuring that new arrivals understand their responsibilities as prospective citizens.
Jono Duniam, another influential figure within the Coalition, even proposed to make the tests for would-be migrants more rigorous. He noted that migrants now have to sign an Australian Values Statement. Unlike citizenship applicants, they do not have to sit through a formal exam.
“We are looking at how best to assess someone’s commitment to our country … and there are a range of ways of doing that,” – Jono Duniam.
The Coalition’s Policy Reassessment
Against the backdrop of its historic electoral loss, the Coalition has publicly been considering a full recalibration of its immigration policy. In the context of all this, Sussan Ley has openly acknowledged that the government hasn’t found the balance when it comes to immigration policies. She signalled issues related to language and cultural values as key to any future migration strategy by the Coalition.
“That balance is out, this government has not got the balance right,” – Sussan Ley.
Ley’s comments suggest a new focus on tougher background checks for would-be migrants. This change is intended to respond to public anxiety while maintaining the principles of a just immigration system.
Andrew Bragg, a fellow Coalition member, expressed doubt at reducing migration as an answer to addressing housing woes. Accusing migrants of causing these issues, he said, is economically and morally misguided.
“The idea that you are going to blame migrants for the housing crisis is economically and morally wrong, and that is not going to be our policy,” – Andrew Bragg.
Further, he said even if migration were reduced, it would not address the root causes, including long-standing issues of housing supply.
Rising Anti-Immigration Sentiments
Senator Pauline Hanson’s recent anti-immigration rally has brought attention to the increasing panic among some Australian communities about immigration policies. At this rally, Hanson restated her party’s belief that immigration is the number one problem facing Australia right now.
Hanson brought back an ugly 2017 publicity stunt. She walked into Parliament in a burqa to draw attention to her political opposition to Islamic immigration. Her party’s power is ebbing, not flowing. As a result, the Coalition is in the process of rethinking their messaging and framing around migration in order to maintain voter support.
Many of our Coalition members continuously push for stronger screening requirements. Others within the party are speaking out against what they say is an approach that will further demonize migrants. Senators such as Mehreen Faruqi warned against the association of migrants with community problems.
“You can’t say migrants are not a problem and then call for a ‘values’ screening test to demonise and other them,” – Mehreen Faruqi.
Those are huge challenges for the Coalition. It needs to strike a balance between addressing legitimate immigration concerns and fully welcoming immigrants into our society.
