Why Australia's Race Commissioner Blames Politicians for Immigrant Scapegoating

The quick version

Australia’s federal race discrimination commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, has sharply criticized One Nation and the federal Coalition opposition for scapegoating immigrants. He said their tactics are rooted in a "deep vein of racism" and contribute to increasing social and political polarization.

What happened

At a human rights seminar hosted by Queensland’s Human Rights Commission in Brisbane, Sivaraman addressed growing concerns over political rhetoric targeting immigrants. He accused both One Nation, a party known for its nationalist and anti-immigration stance, and the Coalition opposition of using dehumanizing language to scapegoat minority communities. During the discussion, he warned that such strategies exploit fears surrounding immigration to gain electoral advantage, worsening racial tensions and societal divides.

Why it matters

Sivaraman’s remarks highlight a critical and widening fault line in Australian society: the increasing politicization of race and immigration issues. Immigrant communities are reportedly facing heightened hostility, which risks eroding social cohesion and normalizing racial discrimination through public discourse. When influential political actors adopt such divisive rhetoric, it can embolden xenophobic attitudes and undermine efforts towards inclusion and multicultural harmony. Moreover, this trend complicates policymaking by shaping public opinion around fear rather than facts, potentially affecting legislation and rights protections.

The bigger picture

Australia has long grappled with its identity as a multicultural nation, with immigration policy often a polarizing topic. The rise of One Nation in recent decades marked a return to nationalist populism, emphasizing border control and cultural protectionism. The Coalition opposition, as the country's center-right political grouping, has also faced accusations of adopting tougher stances on immigration to appeal to certain voter bases. These political dynamics echo wider global patterns, where nationalism and xenophobia have surged in various countries, challenging liberal democratic norms and minority rights. Australia’s experience serves as a case study in how race and immigration can become flashpoints in democratic politics, reflecting broader anxieties about national identity, economic competition, and social change.

What to watch next

The public and media will closely observe how the federal government and opposition respond to Sivaraman’s criticisms. Will there be commitments to counter racial discrimination through policy or public messaging? Political campaigns leading into upcoming elections will also be scrutinized for their tone and content relating to immigration and diversity issues. Additionally, civil society organizations and human rights advocates are expected to push for stronger protections and awareness campaigns in response to these concerns. How the Australian political landscape navigates these tensions may significantly influence social cohesion and race relations in the years to come.

Source note

This article is based on a report by The Guardian Australia titled ‘Vein of racism’: Race discrimination commissioner accuses One Nation and Coalition of scapegoating immigrants, published May 20, 2026. Original link: here