UPDATE: Experts are urgently debunking false claims of “out-of-control” immigration as police prepare for significant protests and counter-rallies in Australia’s largest cities this weekend. A report from Australian National University reveals that misleading data has fueled anti-immigration sentiment and mobilized rallies across the nation.
Authorities confirm that neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups have misused tourism and travel statistics to exaggerate immigration issues, leading to increased participation in nationwide anti-immigration protests. The report’s co-authors, Emeritus Professor Peter McDonald and ANU Migration Hub director Alan Gamlen, emphasize that the data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is not a valid measure of migration, but rather reflects general travel movements.
Professor Gamlen stated, “The data set has been used consistently by anti-immigration activists to give an inflated sense of the numbers, claiming immigration to Australia is out of control.” He stressed that the ABS’s metrics capture various travelers, many of whom aren’t migrants, leading to a false narrative that risks social cohesion.
In light of these developments, the ABS has issued warnings regarding the misuse of their statistics, urging Australians to refer to net overseas migration figures, which have shown a decline since their post-pandemic peak in September 2023.
As tensions rise, anti-immigration rallies organized by activist Monica Smith are set to take place in Sydney and Melbourne this weekend. Notably, far-right figure Tommy Robinson will address attendees via video link, despite his bans from various social media platforms for promoting hate speech.
In preparation for the anticipated protests, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley announced that there will be a substantial police presence in the Sydney CBD on Saturday. “NSW is a strong, multicultural society—we will not tolerate hate on our streets,” Catley declared.
A counter-protest is also scheduled, aiming to challenge the anti-immigration narrative. Ian Rintoul, spokesman for the Refugee Action Coalition, stated, “It is going to take community mobilizations to say migrants are welcome and to get the Nazis and the racists off our streets.”
In Melbourne, police are establishing designated protest areas and increasing operations ahead of the anti-immigration demonstration planned for Sunday. The situation remains fluid, with both sides gearing up for significant confrontations.
As these events unfold, the impact on social discourse and community relations in Australia is profound. Citizens are urged to stay informed and critically assess information surrounding immigration, as misinformation can fuel division and unrest.
Stay tuned for real-time updates as this story develops.
