Barnaby Joyce, the federal MP for New England, has joined One Nation and supports its 'monocultural' vision for Australia, but in his own electorate, a different reality is unfolding. Refugees in Armidale are buying homes, starting businesses, and being embraced by the local community, challenging the party's anti-immigration stance.
Refugee Resettlement in Armidale
Armidale became a designated refugee resettlement site in 2018, with the first cohort of Yazidi refugees arriving that year. Since then, over 1,200 refugees have settled in the city, according to Settlement Services International (SSI). In 2023, refugees from the African Great Lakes made up 75% of new arrivals.
Fernand Numbi and his wife Anne were the first Congolese family to settle in Armidale in February 2023 under the Australian government's refugee resettlement program. Numbi fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo and spent 13 years in a refugee camp in Zimbabwe before arriving in Australia.
Joyce's Shift on Immigration
Nine years ago, as deputy prime minister, Joyce supported the campaign for Armidale to become a refugee resettlement site, citing benefits for reducing regional skills shortages. Now, as a One Nation MP, he aligns with a party that advocates limiting immigration to those who speak English. One Nation's website states: 'If you do not speak English, under no circumstances should you be able to settle in Australia.'
However, Joyce suggests there could be an exemption for refugees under a One Nation government. 'I don't think that anybody's suggesting that if your house is completely burning down we're going to lock the doors and keep you in there,' he told Guardian Australia.
Community Integration
Zina Almuhama, a Yazidi refugee who arrived in Armidale at age 14 knowing only 'yes' and 'no' in English, bought her first home this year with her sister. She became an Australian citizen last year and works at a local childcare centre. 'From the first day we came, I still feel very welcome,' she said. 'This is the home forever.'
Salam Qaro, a Yazidi refugee who arrived in 2019 with no English, hopes refugees would be exempt from One Nation's language policy. 'We have a good relationship with Barnaby and hopefully through him they can do some exemptions,' he said.
Local Reactions
Some locals are unaware of Joyce's defection to One Nation. Catie Smith, 35, said it was 'heartbreaking' to hear about the party's position on multiculturalism. She noted the community has been 'welcoming and accepting' of new arrivals.
Fernand Numbi recalled an incident where men yelled 'you black African' at him, but said it was not representative of his experience. 'We feel like we are very free in Australia,' he said.
Economic Challenges
Joyce says the area needs 'real jobs' and points to empty shopfronts in Armidale. He wants Yazidis to have their own businesses. While younger refugees have advanced in education and employment, older generations often work in lower-skilled jobs.
William Simba, who has lived in Armidale for 17 years, said opposition to multiculturalism is a minority view. 'When it comes to politics, people bring their agenda just to get elected... But I think in general, Australia is a multicultural country and that gives the strength of this country.'
