Australia: Indian Candidate Calls Out Premier on Racism

A political debate over migration has intensified in South Australia after an Indian-origin candidate publicly rebuked the state’s Premier for what she described as “insulting and reductionist” comments about migrants.

Deepa Mathew, Family First’s South Australian upper house candidate, said she was deeply hurt by remarks made by Premier Peter Malinauskas during a question-and-answer session in Adelaide earlier this week. The comments, delivered at an event hosted by Committee for Economic Development of Australia, have triggered sharp political and community reactions.

Australia: The Remarks That Sparked Controversy

Addressing concerns about migration levels, Malinauskas urged voters to consider the long-term workforce implications of cutting immigration. In comments reported by Australia Today, the Premier asked One Nation voters to reflect on “who’s going to feed you and bathe you and wipe your bum when you’re 90” if migration were reduced.

The Premier was outlining plans to boost skilled migration to fill critical labour shortages in sectors including defence, mining, housing construction and submarine manufacturing. He argued that South Australia requires thousands of additional skilled workers annually to sustain economic momentum and secure major infrastructure and defence projects.

However, critics say the phrasing overshadowed the broader economic argument and risked stereotyping migrants.

Deepa Mathew’s Response

For Deepa Mathew, who migrated from India to Adelaide nearly two decades ago with her husband and infant child, the remarks struck a personal chord.

“Like thousands of other migrants, we came seeking opportunity, freedom and a better future,” Mathew said in response to the South Australia immigration remarks.

“To reduce migrants to people who exist solely to ‘wipe bums’ is offensive and beneath the office of Premier,” she added.

Mathew’s journey reflects the story of many skilled migrants who have built their lives in Australia. A former banker, she later launched her own small business in South Australia. She emphasised that her family has consistently contributed to the state’s economy through work, taxes and active community involvement.

Her criticism was not aimed at the need for skilled migration itself, she clarified, but at what she described as language that diminished the dignity of migrants and essential care workers alike.

Australia: Call for Respectful Debate

Mathew urged political leaders to approach immigration discussions with nuance and respect.

“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.”

Her comments underscore a broader tension in Australian politics: balancing economic reliance on skilled migration with community concerns about housing, infrastructure strain and rising living costs.

Political Reactions Mount

The South Australia immigration remarks also drew criticism from Cory Bernardi, One Nation’s South Australian lead upper house candidate. Bernardi described the wording as inappropriate and unfair to aged-care professionals.

“Aged care is an important and respected profession,” he said, arguing that the language risked trivialising a vital sector.

Meanwhile, a government spokesperson defended the Premier, saying it was “extremely disappointing” that the remarks were being misrepresented for political purposes.

Malinauskas has acknowledged that advocating higher migration levels may not resonate with all voters. However, he maintains that increasing skilled migration is essential to meet workforce demands and secure South Australia’s long-term economic growth.