Malcolm Turnbull has issued a stark warning that the Liberal party, under the leadership of Angus Taylor, is echoing the divisive and hateful immigration policies of One Nation, rather than competing with them. In a scathing critique, the former prime minister argues that this approach risks making Australia less safe by promoting hatred against minority groups.
Farrer Byelection: A Test for Coalition
The upcoming Farrer byelection is shaping up as a contest between local independent Michelle Milthorpe and One Nation candidate David Farley. Farrer's last two MPs, Sussan Ley and Tim Fischer, led their parties, but if voters elect Milthorpe or Farley, it would mark another seat lost from Coalition heartland to a minor party or independent.
Liberal Party's Preferencing of One Nation
Turnbull criticizes the Liberal party for preferencing One Nation in Farrer, a move that could potentially put a One Nation MP in the House of Representatives for the first time. He urges Liberals in Farrer to ignore Taylor's how-to-vote card and place One Nation last.
Taylor has described Milthorpe's policies as 'a threat' to Australia, but Turnbull argues that her positions are thoughtful and constructive, unlike One Nation's divisive rhetoric. He notes that One Nation has long practised politics designed to turn Australians against each other, targeting minority groups such as Asians, Aboriginal people, or Muslims without offering serious solutions.
Denouncing Divisive Politics
Turnbull recalls that both Liberal and Labor leaders have historically denounced such divisive politics, emphasizing Australia's multicultural society and the need for mutual respect. However, he claims that One Nation and now Taylor disagree, citing comments that Australia should not accept immigrants from non-democratic countries and invoking the Bondi massacre to support this stance.
Turnbull points out that the alleged terrorists involved in the Bondi incident were a father and son: the son born in Australia and the father from India, the world's largest democracy. Meanwhile, Ahmed al-Ahmed, who disarmed one of the men, was an immigrant from Syria, a country ruled by the tyrannical Assad family. Among the victims were Jewish Australians who had migrated from the undemocratic Soviet Union.
Immigration Policy and National Security
Turnbull argues that the race, religion, and nationality of immigrants are irrelevant; what matters is their character and qualifications. He emphasizes that membership of the Australian family is a privilege, afforded to those who support Australian values, respect laws, and contribute to society.
He warns that policies targeting Muslims, as seen in One Nation and imitated by Taylor, are doing the work of extremist groups like Islamic State. These groups prey on young Muslims, telling them they will never be accepted in Australia, and that their only real home is with the extremists. By promoting hatred, Turnbull argues, these politicians are confirming the recruiters' propaganda and making Australia less safe.
Conclusion: Upholding Australian Values
In these troubled times, Turnbull calls on Australians to double down on their values and self-interest in maintaining a united, multicultural society. He urges the Liberal party to abandon its divisive stance and instead focus on policies that promote harmony and security.
