Australian MP Urges Reduction of Anti-Migrant Rhetoric

On February 9, 2026, The Guardian reported that independent MP Zali Steggall, during a live political broadcast on Guardian Australia, called on Parliament to avoid using aggressive or hateful language when discussing migration. She emphasized that immigrants contribute significantly to Australia’s economy, social structure, and national resilience, especially by supporting the labor market, filling skills and professional gaps, and promoting multicultural development.

Steggall noted that parties like One Nation have made anti-immigrant statements that lack rational policy basis, shifting social tensions and responsibility onto migrant communities and harming society as a whole. She urged Parliament and the public to rely on facts and data rather than exaggerated or emotional rhetoric.

Regarding claims of “out-of-control immigration,” Steggall pointed out that actual data shows net overseas migration has declined from its post-pandemic peak and remains within government expectations. She stressed that understanding the positive contributions of immigrants to Australia’s economy and society is essential for creating balanced and sustainable migration policies while reducing social divisions and prejudice.