Australia is currently witnessing a surge in anti-immigration sentiment, manifested in rallies and protests across the country, with the government condemning these events for "spreading hate" and having links to neo-Nazi groups. These demonstrations, organized under banners like "March for Australia," reflect concerns about mass migration's impact on communities and echo broader anxieties related to cost of living and housing accessibility.
The "March for Australia" rallies took place in various state and regional capitals, including Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Townsville. In Sydney, an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 people assembled, many waving Australian flags. Counter-rallies were also organized by groups like the Refugee Action Coalition, showcasing the deep divisions within the community. Melbourne saw clashes between anti-immigration protesters and pro-Palestine demonstrators, requiring police intervention, including the use of pepper spray. Some attendees and speakers at the rallies have attempted to link migration with issues like cost of living and housing accessibility. Experts suggest that misinformation blaming migrants for deeper societal problems has fueled the rise in anti-immigration sentiment.
The Australian government has strongly condemned these rallies. Minister Murray Watt stated that the government does not support rallies that spread hate and divide the community, asserting that they are organized and promoted by neo-Nazi groups. This condemnation comes amidst growing concerns about right-wing extremism in Australia, a country where a significant portion of the population is either born overseas or has a parent born overseas. Laws banning Nazi salutes and symbols associated with terror groups were recently enacted in response to antisemitic attacks.
These rallies occur against a backdrop of evolving immigration policies in Australia. While the government allocated 185,000 places to the permanent migration program for 2024-25, this is a slight decrease from the 190,000 available in the previous year. There's a stricter focus on employer-sponsored visas and regional needs. Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa program include reduced age limits and adjusted stay durations based on qualifications. The government has also increased student visa fees and implemented stricter eligibility rules for certain temporary visa holders. In November 2024, the government passed new laws expanding the offshore detention regime and increasing penalties for those resisting deportation.
Despite the anti-immigration rhetoric, Indian migrants have become a significant part of Australia's population. The Indian-born population in Australia increased by 48% between 2016 and 2021, making them the second-largest group of overseas-born residents. By 2041, the Indian-born population is projected to more than double. Indian migrants are generally young, educated, and engaged, with a high rate of labor force participation. They are also increasingly obtaining Australian citizenship.
The rise in anti-immigration sentiment and the government's response highlight the complexities of managing migration in a diverse society. Australia's immigration policies continue to evolve in response to economic and social priorities, while the contributions of migrant communities, particularly the Indian diaspora, are increasingly recognized.
