The Labor Party has urged the Liberal Party to engage in a factual discourse on immigration rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric seen in the United States and Europe. In a speech scheduled for Friday at the National Migration Conference in Melbourne, Labor Minister Julian Hill will emphasize the need for discussions grounded in reality, countering claims that Australia faces mass migration.
Hill’s remarks come in response to what he describes as “ridiculous claims” made by elements within the Liberal Party. He accused the party of perpetuating “lies and fear,” which he believes misrepresent Australia’s immigration landscape. “Australia does not have or suffer from mass migration,” he stated, addressing the misconceptions that have gained traction among certain political factions and the public.
In his address, Hill will outline the economic imperative for Australia to attract top talent globally, highlighting the importance of maintaining a robust migration program. This call for a reasoned debate arrives amid growing unease in parts of the multicultural community, particularly following a series of anti-immigration protests that saw tens of thousands gather in August. These marches were largely fueled by concerns regarding the impact of migration on Australia’s infrastructure.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed concern that these protests have provided a platform for extremist ideologies, while noting that many participants are decent individuals motivated by genuine concerns. As the Liberal Party grapples with its identity following a May electoral defeat, it is undergoing a significant policy reassessment, particularly concerning immigration.
Senator Paul Scarr, the Coalition’s immigration spokesman, will also attend the conference and has challenged the misconceptions surrounding immigration levels. However, internal conflicts within the Liberal Party have emerged over differing perspectives on immigration policy. Recently, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has been vocal about adopting a more stringent immigration approach, which has sparked tension within the party.
Hill will caution the Liberal Party against adopting right-wing populism, drawing parallels with the Conservative Party in the UK, which has shifted rightward in response to the rise of populist figures. He argues that the current Liberal Party is veering away from its traditional values, stating, “The problem is that the Liberal Party of today is not the Liberal Party of old.” He criticized the party for embracing extremist rhetoric without presenting clear policies on immigration cuts.
He further asserted, “Australia is not Europe. Australia is not the USA. Our migration program is orderly, and our borders are tightly controlled.” While acknowledging that Australians have the right to question migration policies, Hill emphasized that misinformation and inflammatory remarks are not conducive to constructive dialogue.
In his speech, Hill will highlight that this year’s permanent migration program remains stable at 185,000 places, the same as previous years. Additionally, net overseas migration has decreased significantly, falling by more than 40 percent since its peak, returning towards pre-COVID levels after an initial post-pandemic surge.
“Policy in the national interest must be informed by evidence,” he will conclude, reinforcing the importance of a rational approach to immigration that prioritizes factual information over sensationalism.
