Democracy in Colour condemns recent comments by federal politicians, including the Dutton opposition, who continue to scapegoat current and former migrants rather than proposing practical solutions to the housing crisis.

Democracy in Colour Campaigner, Jarrod Tan says: 

“Migrants are a vital part of this country’s ongoing social and economic success. The migrant blame game for a housing crisis that is decades in the making is irresponsible and does not solve the problems we are all facing. In the middle of a housing and cost of living crisis we need politicians to look at genuine solutions, not use our communities as political pawns.

“The majority of people in this country are first or second-generation migrants. We expect better than these blanket statements born of lazy politics. It is hurting people. Over the last 18 months we have been hearing increasing instances of racism in our communities directly attributed to this kind of political rhetoric.”

“Comments by people in positions of power blaming migrants for a myriad policy failures of their own is deeply disappointing. These comments about migrants are steeped in racism and a throwback to decades old election campaigns.

“It is no secret that there is a federal election on the horizon and this kind of disingenuous political point scoring at the expense of significant portions of our community actually worsens the problems that so many people across the country are facing every day.

“In the lead up to the next federal election, Democracy in Colour is calling on politicians from all sides to provide an honest, accountable assessment of the pressures we are all facing while posing real solutions. Instead, we are seeing deliberate disregard for the many contributing factors that have created this crisis over decades in an attempt to escape accountability. 

“Our communities are sick of being talked down to by people who are in position to create meaningful change. For too long politicians and political candidates have opted for political tactics steeped in racism and directly impacting our communities over real long-term structural solutions.” he said.

Media Contacts:
Jarrod Tan | 0455 200 905

Background

Democracy in Colour is a national racial and economic justice organisation in Australia that advocates on behalf of people of colour and multicultural communities across the country. It has a base of over 16,000 people and active member groups in different states in Australia. Read more at democracyincolour.org