An influential Liberal senator has complained anti-immigration rhetoric is “hurting” foreigners, days after his appearance at a Somalian event in Queensland that sparked backlash online.
Paul Scarr, who was shadow immigration minister under the leadership of Sussan Ley, attended Somalia Multicultural Day on Saturday with Labor MPs Milton Dick, Julie-Ann Campbell and Margie Nightingale, at Somali House in Brisbane, which he also helped open in January.
The event promoted “unity in diversity”, and featured Mr Scarr and Liberal Party branding in its advertising, but angered everyday Aussies who hit out at Mr Dick’s claim that “Australia’s multiculturalism is what makes us great”.
Mr Scarr then praised immigrants in comments to controversial ABC presenter Patricia Karvelas, and said increasing opposition to mass migration was having a negative effect on foreign communities.
“People need to understand the impact of this rhetoric on different communities. It is hurting people. It is hurting communities,” he said.
“I see how hard people are working in their communities – as nurses, doctors, engineers, bus drivers, world-class researchers, workers in factories, entrepreneurs, cleaners – contributing in so many different jobs. It is inspiring. It should be celebrated.
“How do you think they feel when their contribution is questioned? It is heartbreaking.”
Mr Scarr also celebrated Australia settling its one-millionth refugee last year, saying: “It is such a special milestone. It is part of who we are as Australians … yet there are these voices that divide and disrespect. It is shameful. It has a deep impact.”
Somali House was opened by The Somali Community of Queensland in January, and Mr Scarr attended the ceremony, again alongside Labor MPs, and spoke about it in a Senate speech in February.
Mr Scarr oversaw the abandonment of migration targets while acting as immigration spokesman for Ms Ley, whose tenure as leader saw the Coalition overtaken by One Nation in the polls, and was dumped earlier this year by new leader Angus Taylor.
The Queensland senator also caused controversy in March after crossing the floor and voting with Labor to censure Pauline Hanson over comments about Muslims.
Header image: Paul Scarr (far left) at the Somali event (X).
