Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner has warned that misleading and dehumanising commentary about migration is fuelling racism and diverting attention from the real drivers of inequality, as nationwide anti‑migration rallies are planned for this weekend.
Giridharan Sivaraman said he was concerned about the tone of recent debate across mainstream and social media, including the misreporting of migration numbers and claims that overstate migration’s role in domestic pressures such as housing. He said some social media discussion had been explicitly racist.
‘Many Australians are doing it tough. Economic inequality, housing stress, and job insecurity are real and urgent challenges, including for people from migrant backgrounds. We need genuine solutions to these challenges – not dangerous, exploitative anti-migrant rhetoric.’
‘Migration has brought and continues to bring economic growth, skills, ideas, and energy to Australia. It enriches communities, boosts productivity, supports regional growth, and helps build a more inclusive and globally connected society. Half of us have a parent born overseas.’
‘We know many people, particularly from migrant and multicultural communities, are feeling anxious and fearful about the ongoing climate we’re in,’ Commissioner Sivaraman said.
He stressed that a range of views on migration policy should be aired, but warned against messaging that targets communities or strips people of their humanity.
‘There are a range of views on migration policy, and it’s important that these are discussed respectfully. But when public messaging singles out communities or uses language that dehumanises, it risks undermining the values that bind us.’
Sivaraman argued that racism directed at migrants reflects structural shortcomings that require a coordinated response, urging governments to adopt and fund the National Anti‑racism Framework he presented to Federal Parliament in November. The Framework contains 63 recommendations for a whole‑of‑society approach spanning institutions, workplaces and communities.
‘racism towards migrants is a symptom of flaws in our systems and institutions that can only be truly rectified by governments adopting and funding the National Anti-Racism Framework – which I delivered to Federal Parliament last November. It outlines 63 recommendations for a whole-of-society approach to tackling racism across institutions, workplaces, and communities.’
Ahead of rallies planned across the country, the Commissioner affirmed the right to protest but cautioned that it must be exercised responsibly.
‘Freedom of assembly is a cornerstone of our democracy. But it must never come at the cost of vilification or hate,’ he said.
Sivaraman reiterated his call for the National Anti‑racism Framework to be adopted in a recent National Press Club address.
