Amid proposals to reduce immigration in Australia, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) has released a satirical advertisement highlighting the economic consequences of a workforce without migrant labor. AHA CEO Stephen Ferguson emphasized the nation’s reliance on immigrant workers in sectors such as hospitals, aged care, construction, fruit picking, and hospitality. The Labor Party, Coalition, and One Nation have all put forth plans to drastically reduce immigration numbers in the coming years. Sydney, 15 October.
Globally, anti-immigration sentiment is on the rise, and many political parties are leveraging this as a political tool. Australia reflects this trend, with all major parties proposing immigration cuts that have garnered widespread public support. However, a new advertisement underscores the serious repercussions of such policies. The ad features a person approaching a large red button labeled: ‘Press this button to run Australia without immigrant workers.’
Ferguson told Seven News, “If the nation ignores the contributions of migrant workers and loses a significant portion of this workforce, the harsh reality will be borne by everyday Australians.” The advertisement depicts baristas and pub staff leaving cafes and bars, while a caregiver tearfully bids farewell to an elderly person. Ferguson stressed, “The direct impacts of immigration cuts must be an essential part of the discussion.”
One Nation has proposed slashing immigration numbers by 7.5 million over the next three years and intends to make net overseas migration negative. The Coalition plans to reduce annual immigration by one-third in the first year and cut temporary visa holders by 650,000 within four years. The Labor Party aims to limit immigration from overseas to 245,000 by July 2027 and then to 225,000 annually thereafter.
Ferguson explained that jobs dependent on migrant workers are often seasonal, aligned with tourist influxes and fruit harvesting periods. “Working holiday makers provide essential help during seasonal peaks. They work in northern Australia during the winter,” he stated. “The government is attempting to cut this number by 40,000. Recently, I was in Far North Queensland, where labor shortages are severely affecting horticulture.”
