Racism Commissioner Criticizes Political Parties for Scapegoating Migrants
The Australian Federation’s racism commissioner has condemned One Nation and other opponents of the Commonwealth for their “dehumanizing” rhetoric towards migrants, asserting that they are exploiting “deep veins of racism” in society. Giridharan Sivaraman made these statements during a panel discussion at the Brisbane Human Rights Seminar, organized by the State Human Rights Commission.
Concerns Over Political Divisions
During the seminar, Sivaraman highlighted what he described as “very pronounced political fault lines” in Australia. He observed that certain political parties, particularly populist ones and the federal opposition, are actively engaged in dehumanizing migrants, fostering a narrative that blames them for various societal issues, including the housing crisis and rising costs of living.
Implicit Racism and Its Historical Roots
Sivaraman stated that this phenomenon reflects implicit racism, noting that the indicators used to label someone as an immigrant often include their skin color, name, or accent. He emphasized that this taps into a historical vein of racism that has persisted since colonization, leading to a belief that some individuals are inherently more deserving of belonging in Australia than others.
Opposition Leader’s Immigration Policy Announcement
In a related context, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor recently unveiled new immigration policies, projecting a “net outflow” of numerous migrants. He described his approach as one of “value-based discrimination,” aiming to reshape the country’s immigration landscape.
Budget Speech Prioritizes Immigration Concerns
Immigration has taken center stage in recent political discussions, including Taylor’s budget speech last week, where he proposed reducing migration numbers by implementing a cap linked to housing construction and excluding non-nationals from accessing benefits such as Jobseeker and NDIS. Taylor argued that current immigration levels are surpassing Australia’s capacity to provide adequate housing, infrastructure, and services.
Increase in Racism Expected, Says Sivaraman
Sivaraman expressed concern that the rhetoric surrounding immigration would lead to a rise in racism over the next couple of years, posing significant challenges for his role in combating discrimination. He advocated for greater solidarity among people of diverse backgrounds, stating that collective action is essential in addressing racism.
Political Responses to Criticism of Immigration Policy
In response to Sivaraman’s comments, Taylor attributed the issues surrounding housing and immigration to governmental failures rather than shortcomings within the immigrant community. He reiterated the importance of immigration to Australia and highlighted the need for raising standards while managing numbers, noting that current housing construction figures are alarmingly below target.
Defense of Immigration Policy from One Nation
A spokesperson for Senator Pauline Hanson rejected claims of racism and populism within their party, asserting that One Nation does not oppose immigration. Instead, the party supports reducing immigration levels to alleviate housing pressures in the country.
