University student Anhaar Kareem criticizes Harmony Day as a superficial celebration that masks systemic racism in Australia, arguing that such events do more harm than good by reinforcing a false narrative of tolerance. Writing for Guardian Australia, Kareem notes that the day, introduced by the Howard government in 1999, coincides with the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, originally commemorating anti-apartheid protests in South Africa.
Rising anti-immigration sentiment
Kareem references Pauline Hanson's recent National Press Club address, where Hanson called for Australia to be 'monocultural,' and points to a Lowy Institute poll showing a 17 percentage point drop in Australians who say cultural diversity has been good for the country—from 90% in 2024 to 73% in 2025. 'Her rhetoric, which is increasingly accepted by many voters, is concerning,' Kareem writes.
Conditional empathy for immigrants
Kareem argues that narratives celebrating multiculturalism often rely on emphasizing what immigrants contribute to society, such as labor or cuisine, making empathy conditional. 'The idea that we extend empathy to individuals based on what they contribute to a capitalist structure strips them of their humanity,' she writes. She adds that such framing makes support for racial minorities conditional on their perceived ability to assimilate or contribute economically.
Systemic issues persist
Kareem highlights that Indigenous Australians, people of color, and immigrants continue to face systemic issues in health, education, and employment, and are disproportionately targeted by police and media. She criticizes Hanson's refusal to acknowledge country at the start of her address, noting that Hanson's vitriol targets both immigrants and First Nations people.
Kareem concludes that simplistic celebrations of multiculturalism hide Australia's reality as a colonial project still struggling with entrenched racism. 'Having a day to celebrate supposed 'harmony' diminishes the ongoing truth of racism in this country,' she writes.
