There’s nothing new about debates around immigration in an Australian election campaign and it’s sensible that they happen.
There’s also nothing new about politicians weaponising debate around immigration levels, which Australia has seen in the lead-up to the federal election.
But 2025 is different in many ways.
The emphasis has shifted, reflecting broader disenchantment with both politics and policies in Australia and internationally that aids those who would blame social and economic challenges on migrants.
It’s created an environment ripe for right-wing extremists — albeit a noisy minority — to sell anti-immigration messages fuelled by misinformation, racist views, conspiracy theories and a desire to build their imagined “white Australia”.
Why extremists see gold in the migration debate. By Josh Roose, P &I