Aussie MPs Express Worries About Advance’s Immigration Push

Concerns Over Anti-Immigration Campaign in Australia

Several members of the Liberal Party are worried that an anti-immigration campaign run by the activist group Advance is damaging the party’s reputation and alienating migrant communities. Since May’s federal election, Advance has launched 44 anti-immigration ads, which have received over 1.5 million impressions on social media platforms like Meta.

Problematic Messaging

Some ads make alarming claims, suggesting that the Albanese government is “flooding the country” with migrants and threatening Australian values. Others depict mass immigration as “tearing Australia apart,” using distressing images of protests and crowded scenes. Although Advance insists it does not back any specific political party, its connections to the Liberal Party have been heavily scrutinised.

Intra-Party Frustrations

Concerns about immigration discussions within the party peaked when Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, a former Advance spokesperson, was removed from the shadow ministry. She alleged that the government favoured specific nationalities to win votes, a claim she later retracted. Many Liberal members have expressed worry that Advance’s campaign could further hurt the party following its significant losses in May.

Strategic Challenges

A seasoned Liberal strategist noted that polarising issues could alienate voters. They stated, “You cannot win from the margins, and this hardline anti-immigration stance may not resonate with mainstream Australians.” Another member cautioned that anti-immigration rhetoric could be perceived as racially charged and would struggle to gain acceptance within the party.

Migration Context in Australia

While critiques of Australia’s migration program are necessary, they must be approached thoughtfully. The Australian Bureau of Statisticsestimates net overseas migration at approximately 316,000, which is a decrease from previous years but remains a contentious topic. Some Liberal members contend that immigration has enriched Australia rather than displaced anyone.

Public Sentiment

Recent surveys show that although some Australians view current migration levels as excessive, many do not consider it their primary concern. Matthew Sheahan, Advance’s executive director, dismissed criticisms from Liberal insiders, asserting that worries about immigration resonate with a significant portion of the public.

Implications for Visa Sponsorship and Jobs

This ongoing debate surrounding immigration can affect visa sponsorship and pathways to permanent residency (PR) in Australia. For job seekers aiming to work in Australia, understanding the current immigration climate is essential. It can provide insights into potential barriers or opportunities when exploring visa options such as the 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa), the 189 visa (Skilled Independent Visa), among other Skilled Migration pathways.

What do you think?

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