A Labor MP has sparked a massive backlash by announcing the launch of a new House of India in Queensland, which is being built thanks to $5.5 million in taxpayer funds.
Federal member for Blair Shayne Neumann shared photos of himself with representatives from the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland and three other Labor MPs in Ipswich, south of Brisbane, at the event on Sunday.
“Today we turned the sod and officially launched the House of India community and cultural centre in Greater Springfield. Wonderful to have local faith leaders bless the foundation stone for the facility,” he wrote on social media.
He also said he was “proud to secure” the $5.5 million in funding as part of commitment ahead of last year’s federal election. The Coalition made a matching promise during the same month, which was announced by pro-mass immigration Liberal senator Paul Scarr.
But locals reacted with anger to the announcement, and asked why the government was spending millions on immigrants when Australians were struggling to afford housing, with two popular comments reading “meanwhile Australians go without” and “meanwhile Australians are living in their cars”.
“These MPs will support anyone apart from Australians,” wrote one Aussie on Facebook.
“If they want their own culture building let them pay for it with their own money, plenty of sports clubs around would like some funding to help their communities out,” wrote another.
“Any chance in getting funds to get our veterans who served this country off the streets and into housing? Oh that’s right they’re a minority now!” one of the top comments read.
“Funded anything about Australia’s pioneers yet? Can’t remember the last time I saw a British or Irish or NZ, Dutch, German or US or Canadian cultural centre. Don’t White people qualify?” asked another commenter.
Another simply asked: “What about House of Australia?”
Mr Neumann has since turned comments off.
Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said after the launch ceremony that Labor would continue to provide funding for immigrant groups.
“The Indian diaspora is one of the fastest growing communities in Australia and plays an important role in the modern Australia we live in today,” he said.
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to ensuring multicultural communities in Queensland get the support they need and the community infrastructure they deserve.”
While making the funding pledge in April last year, Labor said the House of India would be “a dedicated hub for community activities and cultural events, as well as a meeting place for Indian community associations, and other multicultural and faith groups”.
The centre will also provide provide crisis accommodation, community education, language schools, sporting facilities, and kitchen facilities for food relief charities.
Header image: Labor MPs at the House of India launch (Facebook).
