Indian-Australians have lashed out at an anti-migration movement accused of unfairly singling out their community and have issued a fact check about Indian migration to Australia.
The group March for Australia is organising protests on Sunday, claiming that ‘endless migration, weak leadership, and political cowardice’ have reshaped the country in ways ‘most Australians never agreed to’.
In a manifesto released earlier this week, the movement zeroed in on Indian-born migrants, alleging their rising numbers had ‘replaced’ Australian culture.
‘More Indians in five years than Greeks and Italians in 100, and that’s just from one country. This isn’t a slight cultural change – it’s replacement plain and simple,’ the group declared.
But Indian-Australians have struck back, accusing the organisers of peddling fear and misinformation.
‘Indian Australians work hard, pay more in taxes than they take in benefits, fill essential jobs, start businesses, and enrich Australia’s culture,’ Jay, who introduced himself as a proud Indian Australian, shared on a Facebook fact check community.
‘Migration, done the Australian way, is a win-win for everyone.’
He pointed to data showing 79 per cent of Indian-born Australians are in the workforce, ‘higher than the national average of 61 per cent’, and highlighted their higher median weekly income of $1,015 compared with $805 nationally.
‘Higher taxes, stronger economy,’ he said.
He then dismantled common anti-immigration talking points one by one.
Indian migrant Jay has shared a fact check about Indians in Australia
‘Skilled migrants fill shortages. More workers means more demand which mean more jobs,’ he said.
‘Myth: They overload infrastructure. Fact: Planning shortfalls cause congestion, not migrants. Migrants pay taxes that fund hospitals, schools, housing, and even work in those sectors.
‘Myth: They don’t integrate. Fact: Indian Australians are highly integrated. They volunteer, vote, and participate fully in Australian life.’
Jay stressed that ‘784,000+ Australians now report Indian ancestry – a vibrant and growing part of our national story,’ adding that ‘over 50% have become citizens, showing strong commitment to Australia’ while enriching the nation through ‘Diwali, Holi, cuisine, sport, and community service.’
Yet not all Indian-Australians are convinced.
Some say the anger should be aimed not at communities, but at Australia’s own flawed immigration system.
Indian-Australian architect Sameer Dhanda argued that lax entry standards were undermining integration.
‘It is true that some Indians in Australia behave irresponsibly, show a lack of civic sense, and struggle to integrate socially,’ he said.
March for Australia is organising rallies for Sunday, arguing that ‘endless migration, weak leadership, and political cowardice’ changed the country (stock image)
‘However, there are reasons why this situation has developed. Many individuals who lack the necessary skills, English proficiency, and social awareness still manage to migrate.’
Dhanda accused universities of exploiting loopholes to admit poorly prepared students.
‘For instance, students who struggle to gain admission into reputable colleges in India often find places in leading Australian universities. Many of these individuals have had little exposure outside their hometowns, let alone the broader cultural experience required to adapt to such a significant transition.’
‘The real solution, in my view, is for Australia to strengthen its immigration system so that migration is based on merit and focused on attracting high-performing professionals who can truly support and contribute to the Australian economy.’
The architect added that ‘not all Indians are the same’, adding: ‘on closer look, many Indians rely financially on their jobs, no matter how small, rather than on Centrelink or other government support’.
An anonymous Indian international student in South Australia echoed that frustration.
‘The immigration system, as it stands, appears broken. It is failing to identify and retain the right candidates who have already invested years into this country’s education system, workforce, and society. Instead, it rewards those who contribute little to building Australia’s long-term skilled workforce,’ they said.
Sunday’s March for Australia group describes itself as a ‘grassroots coalition of nationalists, patriots, and everyday Australians’.
In a manifesto (pictured), March for Australia singled out the Indian-born community when listing migrants with a ‘cultural impact’
The rallies have already drawn strong criticism. Former reality star and influencer Abbie Chatfield labelled them ‘racist’ and ‘bigoted.’
Albanese government Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also condemned the protests, calling them un-Australian.
‘There is no place in our country for people who seek to divide and undermine our social cohesion,’ he said.
‘We stand with modern Australia against these rallies – nothing could be less Australian.’
March for Australia insisted it is not linked to extremist groups such as the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network, White Australia, or Thomas Sewell Uncensored.