Some migrants in Australia consider supporting One Nation — ABC News Australia
In Australia, some voters with migrant backgrounds say they are ready to consider supporting the One Nation party because of its promise to reduce net overseas migration. At the same time, they want party leader Pauline Hanson to explain her position on migrants, religion and racism more clearly. This was reported by ABC News Australia.
Melbourne businessman Charanjit Singh, who moved to Australia from India more than 20 years ago and obtained Australian citizenship, supports One Nation's intention to reduce migration. In his view, this could ease pressure on the cost of living, infrastructure and public services. He previously voted for the Labor Party, and is now a member of One Nation and attends its events.
Migration policy and security
According to Roy Morgan polling data, pockets of support for One Nation exist among voters born in India, China, the Philippines and other countries. Some ABC News Australia interviewees cited concerns over migration levels, security, inflation and disappointment with major parties among the reasons.
One Nation proposes reducing net overseas migration from about 300,000 people last year to 130,000. The party plans to reduce the number of international students and temporary graduate visas, as well as introduce a more targeted skilled migration program. It also intends to restrict migration from countries included by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on its list of countries to which travel is not recommended.
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Indian-Australian voter Manju supported a focus on skilled migrants in line with the country's needs and restrictions on people who pose a threat to national security. At the same time, she said that before making a final decision, she wants to hear Hanson's response to anti-Indian racism on social media.
Questions about attitudes towards migrants
Surinder Jain, vice president of the Hindu Council of Australia, said that some migrants are concerned about religious extremism after the attack in Bondi. According to him, some believe that One Nation could make the country safer by not admitting people known to support terrorism. However, Hanson's calls for “monoculturalism,” he said, have alienated some voters from migrant communities.
Sydney blogger Edgar Lu, who previously volunteered for One Nation, also supports reducing net overseas migration, but has not yet endorsed the party. He expressed doubt over whether Hanson has a sufficiently strong team to govern the country and wants to hear an explanation of her criticism of the number of people who speak Mandarin at home.
Prerana Mehta, chief executive of the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils, stressed that migrants and multiculturalism should not be blamed for the country's complex problems. According to her, voters from culturally diverse communities, like other Australians, consider the cost of living, housing, healthcare and stable jobs, but also face problems with recognition of foreign qualifications, discrimination and difficulties accessing services.
