The political landscape in Australia is heating up as immigration emerges as a pivotal issue this summer. The country’s three major right-leaning parties—the Liberal Party, the Nationals, and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation—are focusing their campaigns on immigration policy, all aiming to capitalize on perceived shortcomings in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese‘s management of population inflows.
At the forefront is Sussan Ley, the leader of the Liberal Party, who has been vocal about the rising concerns surrounding immigration. The party, alongside the Nationals and One Nation, believes there are significant electoral gains to be made by criticizing the current government’s approach. Recent polling has suggested a surge in support for One Nation, with a November 2023 YouGov poll indicating 18 percent support, alongside 15 percent in both Newspoll and Essential surveys.
During a rally in Melbourne, Senator Pauline Hanson addressed approximately 700 attendees, expressing her views on what she described as “mass migration.” She asserted that multiculturalism has been a divisive force in Australia, stating, “Since I’ve been elected to parliament in 1996, I have seen the plan to divide us as a nation with multiculturalism.” Despite her controversial rhetoric, which many see as veering towards white nationalism, Hanson has garnered attention and support, particularly from former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, who recently resigned from the Nationals to align himself with her populist platform.
In contrast, Ley represents a more moderate stance within the Liberal Party. She emphasizes the challenges posed by increased immigration, linking it to the rising cost of living and infrastructure pressures. “My criticism of this government around migration policy is … not a criticism of any migrant or migrant community,” she explained during an interview with Sky News. Ley pointed out that infrastructure development has not kept pace with population growth, leading to longer commutes and strained public services.
The Liberal Party’s position on multiculturalism faces scrutiny, particularly following Ley’s dismissal of Jacinta Nampijinpa Price after controversial remarks regarding Indian migrants. Additionally, Ley’s leadership is perceived as being influenced by the party’s right-wing faction. In mid-November, potential successor Andrew Hastie indicated a desire for a stricter immigration policy, stating he wanted to “cut Labor’s uncontrolled immigration,” suggesting this would be a central topic in future debates.
As the coalition grapples with declining support, Ley has committed to releasing the opposition’s migration principles before the end of 2025. This plan includes discussions on language requirements and Australian values. Shadow home affairs minister Jono Duniam has proposed more rigorous tests for potential migrants, a sentiment echoed by Nationals leader David Littleproud. He remarked, “We as Australians can’t import the hate that permeates in some other parts of the world,” reinforcing the need for new migrants to understand and embrace Australian values.
While immigration remains a divisive topic, the current political climate suggests it will continue to be a focal point in the lead-up to the next election as parties explore how best to balance national identity with the realities of a diverse population.
