Politicians Speak Out on Immigration and AUKUS

Analysis of current events

The topic is immigration

Monday, 8 June 2026, at 4:50 am

Paul Scarr says harsh language on immigration hurts communities

The former immigration spokesperson spoke out about fear in immigrant communities due to rising anti-migration rhetoric in Australia

Paul Scarr warned about the damage caused by harsh language on immigration, saying ethnic communities are increasingly fearful about their place in Australia

People need to understand the impact of this rhetoric on different communities. It hurts people and communities. Leaders must reassure community members. This happens at nearly every event

Migrant communities are grateful for Australia's opportunities and want to be seen as individuals and families

People work hard in their communities as nurses, doctors, engineers, and more, contributing in many jobs

After work, many give back to the community as volunteers

It is inspiring to see people contribute. They should be celebrated. It is heartbreaking when their contribution is questioned

Last year, Australia settled its one-millionth refugee

This milestone is special and part of who Australians are. The country should celebrate attracting the best and brightest from around the world. However, some voices divide and disrespect, having a deep impact

Scarr takes heart from community leaders despite harsh language towards certain migrant groups

Scarr is inspired by community leaders showing resilience and leadership, providing an example for all Australians

Immigration is a lightning-rod issue

Immigration continues to be a controversial issue worldwide

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized European nations over migration, calling it an invasion, during a D-Day anniversary speech in France

Hegseth spoke in Normandy 82 years after allied forces liberated Nazi-occupied Europe in 1944

Hegseth said European beaches are stormed by dangerous ideologies, and boats and men arrive, asking when European capitals will act

Hegseth's speech shows the escalating extreme rhetoric around immigration influencing domestic debates

Backbencher Andrew McLachlan broke ranks on immigration policy, raising concerns about damage to diaspora communities

The Coalition's focus on migration is seen as an attempt to stop vote bleeding to One Nation

Queensland Liberal MP Garth Hamilton criticized One Nation's rise, saying Australians are fed up because no one was listening

Hamilton said One Nation's populism will not carry it through scrutiny, and the Liberals must focus on being a viable alternative

Hamilton is banking on the Liberals offering a migration approach considering productivity, jobs, housing, and infrastructure

Politicians are speaking up

Scarr is not the only politician to speak out

NSW MP Ed Husic caused headaches for the government by calling for a review of AUKUS

Husic argued that the revised deal should trigger a review of support for AUKUS

Husic criticized the agreement, saying if it was a better option, why was it not the first option

Husic's comments annoyed the government, with Defence Industry minister Pat Conroy labeling him disingenuous

Conroy's public rebuke gave the story more prominence, and Husic described his treatment as a pile-on

Husic said it is right to ask questions without a pile-on from colleagues

Husic appears to be one of the few Labor MPs prepared to speak up on issues, including criticizing Israel over the Gaza conflict

From AUKUS to gambling

When the government announced gambling reforms, independent MPs Kate Chaney and David Pocock criticized the watered-down response

Labor's Mike Freelander previously called for a blanket ban on gambling ads

The ABC's politics podcast dives into big stories, giving a balanced look inside strategies and decisions

Freelander said if there was a conscience vote, they could ban gambling advertising because it causes harm

Freelander welcomed the reforms, saying they are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done

Many MPs privately expressed frustration that the reforms ignored most of the cross-party inquiry's recommendations

The command-and-control discipline in Labor's caucus means Husic cuts a lonely figure, with most MPs only willing to criticize anonymously

When Anthony Albanese ran for Labor leader, he said Australians don't want someone who just utters talking points

Yet it seems he now runs a government where talking points have been replaced by silence

Patricia Karvelas hosts ABC News Afternoon Briefing and co-hosts the Party Room podcast

Monday, 8 June 2026, at 4:50 am

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