Australia finds itself embroiled in yet another contentious migration debate, a cycle that critics argue dangerously oversimplifies complex economic issues and fuels racial prejudice.
Giridharan Sivaraman, the nation's Race Discrimination Commissioner, has issued a stark warning against the rising tide of anti-immigration rhetoric. He emphasises that framing migrants as a burden or threat has severe real-world consequences, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and stoking social division.
The Dangerous Link Between Economic Fear and Racism
Across the country, a noticeable increase in rallies and public commentary has seen migrants being blamed for a host of national woes, from the soaring cost of living to the critical shortage of housing supply. This trend was also evident in the lead-up to the last federal election, where politicians from various parties made similar claims.
The opposition Coalition is reportedly developing a new policy aimed at significantly cutting migration numbers. While discussing migration levels is a valid part of public policy, the problem arises when these conversations are not honest about fundamental rights to housing, fair social security, and living wages.
This rhetoric, often amplified by far-right parties, preys on genuine public anxiety about economic security. However, it systematically ignores the structural forces driving inequality and undermines the universal right to dignity and safety.
Dehumanisation and Its Real-World Impact
When public discourse persistently characterises migrants as the cause of economic hardship, it dehumanises them and paves the way for discriminatory policies. This narrative conveniently overlooks the fact that migration has been a bedrock of Australia's economic success, with migrants contributing far more to the economy than they receive on average.
This has tangible, harmful effects. For instance, when racism becomes embedded within migration systems—through precarious visa conditions or inadequate workplace protections—it creates a fertile ground for exploitation.
Some employers take advantage of migrant workers' fears of deportation, leading to underpayment, excessively long hours, and unsafe working conditions. This is not merely a 'migrant problem' but a structural flaw that harms the entire labour market. Underpayment in one sector drags down wages across the economy, creating artificial job scarcity and pitting workers against each other.
A Call for Courageous Leadership and Systemic Change
The solution, according to Sivaraman, is not less debate but a more courageous one. The focus must shift from scapegoating migrants to tackling the root causes of economic insecurity for everyone.
One practical step forward is for the federal government to endorse the national anti-racism framework, which recently marked its one-year anniversary. Strengthening wage protections and ensuring migrant workers can safely report exploitation without fear of visa cancellation would benefit the entire workforce.
Other key measures include enforcing fair work laws and establishing a 'positive duty' that places the onus on employers to protect workers from racial discrimination. When all workers feel secure, wages rise, and housing becomes affordable, the economic conditions that allow racism to thrive lose their power.
The central question remains: who truly benefits when communities are set against each other? The answer, Sivaraman suggests, is those who profit from division and vulnerability. True leadership requires bringing people together to improve lives for all, rather than using migration as a political tool that drives them apart.
