A cabinet reshuffle presents an opportunity to redefine “immigrant” in Australia and to reframe the discourse surrounding immigration and multiculturalism. Language is important.
There’s an opportunity to rethink Australia’s immigration and multiculturalism policies with the recent cabinet shuffle. There is a chance to change public opinions and attitudes regarding immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers with fresh leadership in the home affairs, immigration, and intercultural affairs ministries. The purpose of this modification is to redefine the term “immigrant” in Australia and promote an anti-racist mindset.
Even while data indicates that refugees and migrants make significant economic contributions, they are frequently wrongly held responsible for problems like the rising cost of living and housing shortage. Even if it is legal for them to seek asylum, the public discourse frequently dehumanises these individuals by calling them “illegal immigrants” or “queue jumpers.”
Both political parties referred to the recent high court ruling that declared the indefinite detention of stateless migrants to be unlawful and labelled these refugees as “hardcore criminals.” Such language dehumanises individuals in need and justifies strict immigration laws.
The racist White Australia policy, which disenfranchised non-White people, is part of Australia’s past. Because of structural racism, immigrants are frequently forced to give up their cultural identities in order to adapt, yet prejudice still persists. Since the First Fleet, non-white migration has been a part of Australia’s history, and accepting heterogeneity enhances sense of national identity.
The forthcoming national anti-racism framework from the Australian Human Rights Commission will direct anti-racism initiatives. Elected authorities need to set an example of anti-racist words and deeds from the minute newcomers arrive in Australia in order to build a truly inclusive society. In this conversation, language is important because it affects how migrants and refugees are seen and handled.
