The Liberal Party’s elder statesman, John Howard, delivered a blunt message following the recent reformation of the federal Coalition. After a brief congratulation to Sussan Ley and David Littleproud for reconciling differences, Howard emphasized the urgent need for clear policies, particularly on immigration. “The next challenge for the parties is the enunciation of clear policies,” he stated. “One of these must be that of immigration.”
Formulating a coherent immigration policy has been a persistent challenge for the Coalition parties. Promised policies have been repeatedly delayed, with various reasons cited over the past months. Initially, the delay was attributed to avoiding distractions from a minor government expenses scandal. Later, the Bondi terrorist attack was cited as a more plausible cause. Recently, insiders revealed that the policy is on hold pending the outcome of the Liberals’ leadership contest, reflecting the influence of immigration hardliners in the party.
Internal Divisions and Leadership Challenges
Ley was reportedly working on the long-delayed immigration policy when Angus Taylor entered her office to announce his resignation from the shadow ministry. This incident highlights the internal discord within the Coalition, where immigration policy has been a significant source of dysfunction. A faction within the Liberal right, often referred to as the “Trump right,” advocates for populist and xenophobic policies, reminiscent of those seen in the United States.
The division became public in September when Jacinta Nampijinpa Price was removed from the opposition frontbench after controversial remarks about government immigration priorities. Similarly, Western Australian MP Andrew Hastie’s comments on social media about high migrant numbers drew criticism for echoing Enoch Powell’s infamous “rivers of blood” speech.
Populist Right’s Influence and Public Sentiment
Hastie and Price continue to agitate within the party, with Hastie reportedly crowdfunding $260,000 for a multimedia campaign. Price, alongside the reactionary group Advance, campaigns against “mass immigration,” supported financially by Gina Rinehart. Conservative media outlets have blamed the Albanese government for alleged “mass” immigration, linking it to rising house prices and strained infrastructure.
Anti-immigrant sentiment is not unique to Australia; it mirrors trends in the UK, Europe, and the US. Japan’s recent election saw a shift to the right, with immigration as a key issue. However, despite public concern, the Coalition has not benefited politically. Polls indicate a decline in voter support, with only 17% believing the Coalition can best handle immigration, compared to higher preferences for Pauline Hanson’s party.
Expert Analysis and Historical Context
Professor Alan Gamlen from the Australian National University’s Migration Hub highlights the Coalition’s internal conflicts. His study reveals that while Coalition members are economically open to migration, they are divided on cultural openness. This contrasts with the more unified positions of Labor and the Greens.
“The Coalition’s formal position on multiculturalism is very much up for grabs,” the Migration Hub survey notes, indicating significant internal division.
Historically, John Howard managed to balance cultural opposition and economic support for migration. During his tenure, net overseas migration rose significantly, a trend that continued until the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-pandemic, migration numbers surged, providing a political tool for right-wing criticism of the current government.
Current Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite criticism, experts like Brendan Coates from the Grattan Institute argue that migration’s impact on housing is overstated. He suggests that building more housing is a more effective solution than reducing migration. The current government’s efforts to streamline the immigration system face challenges, including a backlog of visa appeals.
The Coalition’s struggle to articulate a clear immigration policy continues to reflect deeper ideological divides. As populist rhetoric gains ground, the need for a coherent and balanced approach becomes more pressing. Whether the Coalition can overcome its internal conflicts to present a unified stance remains uncertain.
