Australia’s political scene is gearing up for a fierce debate on immigration, as the three main right-leaning parties express unified concern over the issue. The Liberal Party, led by moderate Sussan Ley, the Nationals, and Pauline Hanson‘s One Nation are all positioning immigration as a key topic for the summer. Each party is keen to critique Prime Minister Anthony Albanese‘s management of population inflows, believing that they can capitalize on public sentiment to gain electoral support.
One Nation is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, achieving an impressive 18 percent support in a November YouGov poll, along with 15 percent in back-to-back Newspoll and Essential surveys. At a recent rally in Melbourne, Senator Hanson attracted approximately 700 attendees to her “Put Australia First” event, where she voiced alarm over what she described as “mass migration.”
In her speech, Senator Hanson stated, “Since I’ve been elected to parliament in 1996, I have seen the plan to divide us as a nation with multiculturalism.” She further claimed, “Those activists will think that I’m divisive. I’m not divisive. All I’ve ever done is want to pull people together, to be proud of who we are.” While her rhetoric resonates with a segment of the population, it has also drawn considerable counter-protests, indicating a divided public response to her views.
The dynamics within the Liberal Party are complex, particularly following the recent resignation of former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce from the Nationals. His departure appears to signal a shift towards Senator Hanson’s populist agenda. In contrast, Sussan Ley‘s stance remains more moderate, as she emphasizes the need for adequate infrastructure to accommodate growing immigration levels. Ley commented on Sky News, “My criticism of this government around migration policy is … not a criticism of any migrant or migrant community. There’s a massive failing of governments to build the infrastructure that our communities need.”
Debate around immigration is further complicated by internal party tensions within the Liberal Party. Ley’s controversial decision to remove Jacinta Nampijinpa Price from her position followed remarks made about Indian migrants. Additionally, there are suggestions that Ley is being influenced by the party’s right-wing faction.
In mid-November, following a party decision to abandon support for net-zero emissions, potential leadership contender Andrew Hastie called for stricter immigration controls. He posted on Facebook, “If we lock down energy and immigration, we can win the next election.” This illustrates the growing pressure on the coalition to adopt a tougher stance on immigration, particularly as public support for the party continues to decline.
As the summer approaches, Ley has pledged to unveil the opposition’s migration principles by the end of 2025. She noted, “Issues around language and values form part of that conversation,” highlighting the importance of cultural integration. Shadow home affairs minister Jono Duniam suggested implementing stronger tests for aspiring migrants, a sentiment echoed by Nationals leader David Littleproud.
Littleproud stated on ABC’s Insiders, “We as Australians can’t import the hate that permeates in some other parts of the world. It’s important we make sure that when we do bring people from those challenged parts of the world, that they understand they’re coming here with responsibility.” Currently, while citizenship applicants must pass a values test, migrants do not have to sign an Australian Values Statement, raising questions about the adequacy of existing regulations.
As discussions around immigration heat up, it is clear that the issue will play a crucial role in shaping Australia’s political landscape over the coming months. The parties are not only vying for votes but also grappling with the broader implications of their immigration policies on Australian society.
