An Indian-origin political candidate has criticised South Australia’s Premier, saying his comments about immigration were insulting to migrants.
Deepa Mathew, Family First’s South Australian upper house candidate, said she was hurt by remarks made by Premier Peter Malinauskas during a question-and-answer session in Adelaide this week.
Speaking at an event organised by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia, Malinauskas asked One Nation voters to think about “who’s going to feed you and bathe you and wipe your bum when you’re 90” if immigration was cut, reports Australia Today.
The Premier was speaking about plans to increase skilled migration to help fill jobs in defence, mining and housing construction. He said South Australia would need thousands of extra-skilled workers every year, including for submarine projects.
He warned that without steady migration, the state could lose out on economic growth and well-paid jobs.
Mathew moved from India to Adelaide two decades ago with her husband and infant child. She said the language used by the Premier reduced migrants to a stereotype.
“Like thousands of other migrants, we came seeking opportunity, freedom and a better future,” she said.
“To reduce migrants to people who exist solely to ‘wipe bums’ is offensive and beneath the office of Premier,” she added.
Mathew worked as a banker before starting her own small business. She said her family has worked hard, paid taxes and played an active role in the community since moving to the state. And said the discussion on migration should be handled in a more careful and respectful way.
“South Australia needs an immigration policy that is fair, orderly and sustainable,” she said.
“We must align migration settings with housing supply, infrastructure and cost-of-living pressures — not use migrants as a political prop,” she added.
The comments were also criticised by One Nation’s South Australian lead upper house candidate, Cory Bernardi. He said the wording was inappropriate and unfair to carers, adding that aged care is an important and respected profession.
A government spokesperson said it was “extremely disappointing” that the Premier’s remarks were being misrepresented for political reasons.
Malinauskas has admitted that calling for higher migration may not be popular with everyone, but said it is needed to fill job shortages and support the state’s long-term growth.
