Australia finds itself embroiled in yet another contentious migration debate that risks exacerbating racial tensions while ignoring the real economic challenges facing the nation, according to the country's race discrimination commissioner.
The Dangerous Link Between Economic Insecurity and Racism
Giridharan Sivaraman, Australia's race discrimination commissioner, has issued a stark warning about the consequences of framing migrants as responsible for the country's economic difficulties. He argues that when public commentary repeatedly portrays migrants as burdens or threats to economic stability, it reinforces harmful stereotypes with tangible real-world impacts.
Across Australia, recent rallies and political discourse have increasingly blamed migrants for issues ranging from housing affordability to the cost of living crisis. This trend was evident during the last federal election campaign, where politicians from various parties made similar claims. Meanwhile, far-right parties advocating anti-immigration policies and racist rhetoric are gaining prominence.
Structural Problems, Not Migrant Problems
The opposition Coalition is reportedly developing new policies to cut migration numbers. While discussing migration levels isn't inherently problematic, Sivaraman emphasises that the current debate fails to address the fundamental rights to housing, adequate social security, and fair wages. What's needed instead are courageous conversations about requiring wealthy individuals and corporations to contribute fairly toward realising these rights for all Australians.
When migrants are scapegoated for economic insecurity, it not only stokes existing racial tensions but also dehumanises migrant communities. This racism manifests in daily life through visa uncertainties and inadequate workplace protections that enable exploitation. Some employers take advantage of migrant workers' fears about visa cancellation or deportation, leading to underpayment, excessive working hours, and unsafe conditions.
A Unified Approach to Economic Justice
This exploitation isn't merely a "migrant problem" but a structural issue affecting the entire labour market. Underpayment in any sector drags down wages across the economy, creates artificial job scarcity, and pits workers against each other while employers benefit. Both migrant and local workers lose in this scenario, with the only winners being those who profit from division and vulnerability.
To genuinely improve living standards, wages, and build a fairer future, Sivaraman urges tackling the root causes of economic insecurity rather than blaming those who contribute significantly to Australian society. One practical step forward would be for the federal government to endorse the national anti-racism framework, which recently marked its one-year anniversary.
Strengthening wage protections, ensuring migrant workers can safely report exploitation without fear, and enforcing fair work laws—including implementing a 'positive duty' requiring employers to protect workers from racial discrimination—would benefit the entire workforce. When workers feel secure, wages rise, housing becomes affordable, and communities thrive, racism loses its foothold and everyone benefits.
Migration has always been integral to Australia's story. The critical question now is whether it will be used as a political tool that divides communities and obscures genuine problems, or whether the country will choose leadership that unites people and improves lives for all citizens.
