One Nation Official Faces Backlash Over Multiculturalism Remarks
A senior figure within the One Nation party has ignited a fierce debate after publicly declaring multiculturalism a "failed experiment" in Australia, despite being an immigrant herself. Bianca Colecchia, who serves as state secretary for the Victorian branch of Pauline Hanson's party, shared a controversial video from Melbourne's Central Business District on New Year's Eve, prompting widespread criticism and accusations of hypocrisy.
Controversial Video Sparks Immediate Reaction
In the footage captured outside Flinders Street Station, Colecchia panned across the bustling crowd and invited viewers to participate in what she described as a game of "spot the Westerner." The politician remarked, "Let's see if you can find any. It doesn't look like a Western nation at all, isn't it? Yet here we are, this is the reality of Melbourne CBD on New Year's Eve."
Colecchia proceeded to attribute this perceived transformation to multicultural policies, stating, "And this is an issue, a big one, because … they might be good people, but it is a problem at the collective level. It erodes our cultural identity and cohesion." She expanded her criticism by referencing European nations, claiming, "All we need to do is looking at Europe, what is happening there, in Germany, the UK and France, and Italy, it is terrifying and we must oppose it with everything we got."
Accusations of Hypocrisy Dominate Responses
The online response to Colecchia's video was swift and pointed, with numerous commenters highlighting the apparent contradiction in her position. Observers noted that Colecchia speaks with a distinct European accent and shares physical characteristics with many of the individuals she appeared to be criticising.
One commenter questioned, "Brown migrant with accent complains about other brown migrants with accents?" while another pointed out, "By the way Australia belongs to Aboriginals. Imagine if they were to walk out on the streets playing the same game as you. I wonder how you would feel?"
Further criticism focused on Colecchia's own background, with one respondent asking, "You've got a strong accent, and you're criticising others for coming here? By rights you should be leaving with them if that's your stance. Or because you're more white presenting you're okay? Explain it to me." Another simply inquired, "Most of them were born here! With your accent, where are you imported from?"
Supporters Echo Concerns About Cultural Change
Despite the criticism, some commenters expressed agreement with Colecchia's perspective, voicing concerns about rapid demographic shifts. One supporter wrote, "If you'd put me in the back of [a] shipping container, drove in circles for eight hours and opened the door, I'd have thought I was in Malaysia... migration has happened too rapidly and unfortunately Australia is on the path of losing its Western identity."
Another comment lamented, "How did we let this happen, and in such a short period of time? Western world is finished as we know it I'm afraid," while a third declared, "Multiculturalism is a myth and always has been, when a country no longer looks how it should that's not the original country at all that's deliberate invasion."
Calls for Unity Amidst Division
Other responses urged against creating societal divisions, with one commenter reflecting, "We are all Australians. When I started school in Melbourne in the 1950's new migrants were collectively known as New Australians. They enriched our culture. The newer New Australians will do the same in time."
Another advocated for compassion, stating, "I see human beings living harmoniously. Immigrants migrated to Australia to start from scratch and want a better future. Respecting and be kind to one another is the key."
Colecchia's Personal Journey and Political Stance
Bianca Colecchia's background reveals a complex personal narrative that contrasts with her recent comments. Born and raised in the small Italian town of Sant' Eusanio del Sangro, she relocated to Australia in 2016 with just $1,000 and no English language skills. Since her arrival, Colecchia has studied politics, international relations and sociology at Melbourne University while managing a gentleman's club in the city.
In previous writings, Colecchia has expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities Australia provided her, stating, "This country has given me so much, and it gave me the opportunity to turn my life around. So, I learned the language, I worked hard, and I embraced the Australian way of life. Today, I am incredibly grateful to be able to call Australia home."
Her political biography on the One Nation website describes her as a self-professed Donald Trump supporter who admires hard-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Colecchia states she is "focused on growing a strong, principled movement that defends our values, protects our heritage, and puts everyday Australians first" and committed to "common-sense policies that strengthen our national identity."
Demographic Context and Tourism Figures
The controversy emerges against a backdrop of significant demographic change in Victoria. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2021, approximately 10.6 percent of the state's population was born overseas. Furthermore, New Year's Eve represents a major tourist event for Australian capital cities, with Melbourne Airport recording its busiest period in history last January with 3,393,977 arrivals, including 600,000 international travellers.
Colecchia previously contested the federal seat of Bruce in Melbourne and continues to be an active figure within One Nation, which has recently experienced growing political influence according to party statements about expanding membership and electoral prospects.
