A coalition of refugee and human rights organisations has written to the leaders of the major parties, urging them to avoid dog-whistling and sowing division throughout the federal election campaign. Source: ABC News.
Anticipating that immigration will be a political flashpoint, the letter – addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Greens Leader Adam Bandt, and Nationals Leader David Littleproud – calls for respectful public debate.
Signed by more than 30 groups, including Amnesty International and the Asylum Seekers Centre, the letter warns against using immigrants and asylum seekers as a political football and urges that these groups be treated with respect.
“Political debate – both during and outside election campaigns – has often seen people seeking asylum become the target of unacceptable rhetoric, often describing refugees and people seeking asylum in a degrading and hostile manner,” the letter reads.
“This is a poor reflection on how Australia is perceived internationally and undermines our proud record as a truly multicultural nation and as a leader in refugee resettlement and protection principles.”
The letter comes as Mr Dutton this week reignited the prospect of holding a referendum to give the government the power to deport dual citizens who commit crimes in Australia.
Asylum Seekers Centre CEO Frances Rush described this as an example of “divisive dog-whistling.”
“If this is the starting mark, we have serious concerns over where the campaign will finish,” she said. “These choices have real consequences, real impacts, and real danger for people seeking asylum and refugees.
“We must hold our leaders to account and demand they use their words to create unity, not division.”
Refugee Council of Australia CEO Paul Power agreed, saying elected officials and candidates must approach conversations about asylum seekers and refugees with dignity and respect.
With social cohesion emerging as a key concern during this parliamentary term, advocates say politicians need to be extra careful to avoid demonising certain groups and be mindful of their language.
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Don’t demonise asylum seekers, human rights groups warn politicians (By Olivia Caisley, ABC News)
