Claims regarding “out-of-control” immigration in Australia have been challenged by experts as police prepare for protests and counter-rallies in major cities. A report from the Australian National University reveals that data misinterpretation has fueled participation in nationwide anti-immigration rallies scheduled for August.
According to the report, neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups have distorted tourism and travel statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to amplify fears about immigration. The ABS’s permanent and long-term movement data tracks individuals entering and leaving the country, categorizing them by duration and legal status. However, this data lacks validity as a measure of actual migration, co-authors Emeritus Professor Peter McDonald and Alan Gamlen state.
Professor Gamlen emphasized to AAP that the ABS dataset has been misused by anti-immigration activists, creating a misleading perception of the immigration situation in Australia. He noted, “The data set has been used consistently by anti-immigration activists and political outfits regularly, to give an inflated sense of the numbers and say that immigration to Australia is out of control.” He added that the dataset includes many individuals who do not qualify as migrants.
In response to the misrepresentation, the ABS issued a warning in August, clarifying that its data primarily reflects traveller movements rather than actual immigration statistics. Citizens are encouraged to refer to the ABS’s net overseas migration figures, which account for the number of migrants arriving in Australia versus those who depart. While this figure saw a rise following a pandemic-related low, it has been on a downward trend since September 2023.
Professor Gamlen highlighted the potential societal repercussions of misinformation, stating, “Saying immigration is out of control when that is not the case is divisive and potentially damaging to social cohesion.” He urged those discussing immigration in public forums to provide accurate information, allowing Australians to make informed decisions on significant issues.
Protests and counter-protests have been organized in response to these claims. Anti-immigration rallies, led by Monica Smith, a known anti-vaccine protester, are set to take place in Sydney and Melbourne over the weekend. Notably, far-right British figure Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, will address participants via video link. Robinson has faced bans from multiple social media platforms for violating guidelines on hate speech.
Historically, the Australian federal government has denied visas to various international far-right figures, including Gavin McInnes, who was scheduled to tour Australia with Robinson in 2019. The New South Wales (NSW) Police Minister Yasmin Catley has announced a significant police presence around the Sydney Central Business District during the protest, stating, “NSW is a strong, multicultural society – we will not tolerate hate on our streets.”
In addition to the anti-immigration rallies, a counter-protest is planned to promote a welcoming message towards migrants. Ian Rintoul, a spokesman for the Refugee Action Coalition, stated, “It is going to take community mobilisations to say ‘migrants are welcome, and to get the Nazis and the racists off our streets.” The Victorian Police are also preparing for heightened operations in Melbourne, designating specific areas for protests in anticipation of the rallies.
As tensions rise, the focus remains on ensuring that discussions around immigration are based on accurate data and facts, rather than fear-based narratives.
