With less than a week to go before the ‘March for Australia’ rallies, political leaders across Queensland and Canberra are voicing strong opposition to the tone of campaign material that singles out Indian migrants. At the same time, rally supporters insist the events are peaceful and inclusive, arguing the real issue is government policy on housing and migration numbers.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick MP wrote to the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland condemning anti-immigration flyers linked to the protest. “I was appalled to see ‘March for Australia’ distributing anti-immigration material to promote their protest. In particular, their discriminatory targeting of our Indian-Australian community,” he said. “It has no place in our community and across Australia.”
Queensland Opposition Leader Steven Miles MP, joined by Shadow Multicultural Affairs Minister Charis Mullen MP, wrote to Premier David Crisafulli warning of the risks on the final day of Queensland Multicultural Month. “There is no place for this form of discrimination in Queensland. Understandably, the Labor Opposition is concerned for the safety and wellbeing of our multicultural communities,” the letter said.
Queensland’s Multiculturalism Minister Fiona Simpson MP was blunt, condemning “the vile, racist and un-Australian attacks on Queensland multicultural communities, particularly the Queensland-Indian community who have been singled out and named in material used to promote national anti-immigration protests planned for 31 August”.
“I support a five year immigration pause. During the pause, we can have a sober debate about what’s optimal going forward”
— John Ruddick MLC, NSW Parliamentarian
But organisers and their online supporters reject those claims. The account Aus Integrity, which has more than 40,000 followers, wrote: “A statement of fact is not racist, nor have ANY racist remarks been made towards our Indian-Australian friends. It is in fact a rally for ALL Australians, regardless of origin, heritage, creed, religion or colour to attend as Australians.”
NSW Parliamentarian John Ruddick MLC has openly backed the march, calling for a pause on new arrivals. “I support a five year immigration pause. During the pause, we can have a sober debate about what’s optimal going forward. One thing is certain—Australia’s current immigration program is way too large,” he posted.
The exchanges highlight how a protest framed by organisers as a call for national unity and lower migration levels has become a flashpoint for deeper anxieties about housing, cost of living and race. With public billboards and pamphlets already drawing criticism, and counter-rallies being planned, the final weekend of August is shaping into a contest over both message and meaning.
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