The federal Coalition is shifting its rhetoric on immigration, signalling a move away from the hardline narrative associated with former Minister Peter Dutton, in an attempt to reconnect with Australia’s multicultural communities ahead of the next federal election.
New Shadow Minister for Immigration, Senator Paul Scarr, has taken the lead in reshaping the opposition’s approach, stressing the value of immigration to the country’s social and economic fabric. He says the Coalition must speak “with empathy and respect” to migrants and refugees who see Australia as a land of freedom and opportunity.
“I believe we need to change the way we engage with these communities,” Senator Scarr said. “Many migrants have come from countries where the freedoms we take for granted — freedom of speech, of religion — are non-existent.”
The shift comes after the Coalition’s significant losses in key metropolitan electorates with large migrant populations in the 2022 federal election. Communities, particularly in Western Sydney and Melbourne’s southeast, abandoned the Liberal Party amid perceptions of hostile or insensitive policies on immigration, multiculturalism, and religious freedoms.
Now, under Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, the party is attempting a recalibration. While Dutton has previously linked migration to housing pressures and crime, Scarr is moving to reframe the conversation.
“I don’t accept that housing pressures are the fault of migrants. That’s the result of policy failures, especially from the Albanese government,” he said, urging for a more sophisticated and constructive debate.
Scarr, who migrated to Australia from Zimbabwe at the age of nine, is seen as a more moderate and relatable voice for migrant communities. His appointment is part of a broader strategy by the Coalition to regain trust and relevance in electorates that are culturally diverse and increasingly influential.
Policy-wise, the Coalition is not expected to radically overhaul its immigration platform, but the tone and language are being carefully reconsidered. Scarr emphasises the need to highlight success stories of migration and focus on integration rather than exclusion.
The move has been welcomed cautiously by community leaders, though some remain sceptical given the Coalition’s track record. Nonetheless, the messaging marks a significant departure from previous years and reflects growing political recognition of the power and influence of multicultural Australia.
