The political landscape in Australia is currently grappling with a complex issue that has the potential to redefine the identity of the Labor party. Immigration, a historically contentious topic, has once again taken center stage, with the Albanese government navigating a delicate path amidst rising opposition from One Nation and a shifting political climate.
Immigration has long been a challenging issue for Labor, with its roots deeply intertwined with the party's historical stance on migrant workers and their perceived impact on wages and job security. The White Australia policy, though not initiated by Labor, found fervent support within the party, reflecting a broader concern about being "swamped" by migration.
The post-war period saw a shift in Labor's approach, driven by the need for national security and the arrival of full employment. However, this change was not without its challenges, as Labor leaders had to contend with the opposition of their traditional supporters who viewed high levels of immigration as a threat to their own job prospects.
The first immigration minister, Arthur Calwell, attempted to present the migration program as predominantly British, but the reality was more diverse, with non-British Europeans, including refugees, becoming a significant part of the intake. This diversity, while harmonious in its settlement, was not without its suspicions and hostilities, challenging the narrative of a welcoming Australia.
The historian John Hirst suggested that Australia's settler culture had a tendency to overlook differences for the sake of social peace, which played a role in the successful integration of these postwar migrants. However, the consensus on immigration began to fray in the 1970s as economic conditions changed, and Labor led the way in reducing overseas arrival numbers.
The postwar consensus on immigration has remained elusive, much like the attempts to restore the postwar economic order. The closest Australia came to a stable immigration policy was during the Howard era, where a conservative government managed to increase migrant numbers without public backlash, largely due to its stringent approach to asylum seekers.
Today, Labor finds itself in a precarious position, with the perception of being a party of high immigration and lax border control, despite the reality being more nuanced. This perception aligns with the idea of Labor as a cosmopolitan party, disconnected from the concerns of ordinary working people.
With One Nation gaining traction and the Coalition mimicking its anti-immigration rhetoric, Labor is faced with a choice that will shape its identity for years to come. The parallels with Labor's shift in the mid-1940s are evident, but the current environment is one of political rivalry, where immigration has become a tool for gaining electoral advantage.
The decision on immigration policy will define Labor's soul, its character, and its connection with the Australian people. It is a delicate balance, and one that requires a thoughtful and nuanced approach, considering the broader implications and the potential for long-lasting impact on the nation's social fabric.
