Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has claimed multiculturalism is “now a politically loaded term” that is as “extreme” as the word “monoculture”. In an interview with the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing program, Hastie promoted a similar approach to immigration as One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, despite declaring “war” on the rightwing party.
Liberals struggle to define stance on multiculturalism
The Liberals have struggled to define their position on multiculturalism and immigration as they attempt to stem the loss of votes to Hanson’s party. Earlier this month, Hanson used her first speech at the National Press Club in Canberra to declare Australia cannot be multicultural and must exist as a “monocultural society”.
Asked by the ABC about his views, Hastie said: “Monoculture and multicultural, they’re two extremes in a sense. [Multicultural] is now a loaded political term. Most Australians, when they talk about multicultural, think, you know, different foods, different backgrounds.” He added: “In the end, if a democracy’s going to function, you have to have a common set of values. It can’t just be a free for all, [living] according to how you think the world should be.”
Hastie refuses to label One Nation 'hard right'
Hastie refused to define One Nation as “hard right” and said he wanted to win back its voters who had defected from the Coalition, rather than alienating them. He said: “People are drawn to strength, and so I think we should be sending a strong message that we are committed to winning government [and] delivering centre right government for the Australian people.”
