Angus Taylor, leader of the Liberal party, has employed a well-worn tactic of right-wing demagogues: blaming migrants for societal ills. His recent claim that migrants are a 'net drain' on Australia is not only factually incorrect but also deeply harmful, fostering xenophobia and diverting attention from the real drivers of economic inequality.

Taylor's comments echo the rhetoric of far-right movements globally, seeking to pit working-class Australians against vulnerable migrant communities. It’s a cynical strategy designed to consolidate power by preying on anxieties about resource scarcity and cultural change. The reality, however, is that migrants are often the backbone of essential industries, filling labor shortages and contributing significantly to the Australian economy.

According to a Treasury paper released in late 2021, migrants, on average, contribute $41,000 more in taxes than they receive in government services over their lifetimes. This figure reflects the fact that many migrants arrive in Australia with valuable skills and education, ready to work and contribute to the tax base. The skilled worker visa scheme, in particular, yields a net lifetime benefit of $198,000 per migrant.

While family visa holders and humanitarian visa holders may receive more in services than they pay in taxes, this reflects Australia's commitment to family reunification and providing refuge to those fleeing persecution. These humanitarian efforts should be celebrated, not demonized. It's crucial to remember that these individuals often face significant barriers to employment and integration, and require support to rebuild their lives.

Taylor's claim that Australians are 'missing out on benefits because of migrants' is a blatant falsehood. It's a classic case of 'divide and conquer,' designed to distract from the government's own failures to adequately fund essential services like healthcare, education, and aged care. These services are underfunded not because of migrants, but because of decades of neoliberal policies that prioritize corporate profits over social well-being.

Alan Gamlen, director of the ANU’s migration hub, rightly calls Taylor's rhetoric 'slightly nasty opportunism'. By scapegoating migrants, Taylor is attempting to deflect blame for the government's own shortcomings and justify further cuts to social programs. This is a dangerous game that undermines social cohesion and threatens the well-being of all Australians.