Students demonstrate against One Nation policies
Hundreds of students have taken to the streets of Sydney to protest against policies raised by Pauline Hanson and One Nation.
The protest comes after details of the party’s drastic plan to slash Australia’s temporary migrant population by 750,000 were released publicly.
Students gathered in the CBD on Thursday . Sitthixay Ditthavong
Students gathered in the CBD on Thursday as part of fresh demonstrations against Hanson and her party, with protesters carrying signs and chanting against racism and One Nation’s policies.
Similar rallies were held in other Australian cities.
“We already have enough division in humanity, and I feel like we don’t need any more,” one student told 9News.
Hundreds of students have taken to the streets of Sydney to protest against Pauline Hanson and One Nation. Sitthixay Ditthavong
Another student said they were concerned about what a future One Nation government could mean for young Australians.
“I don’t feel safe with her being the prime minister when I’m older and for my future.”
For some of the teenagers taking part, protesting is one of the few ways they can have a say before they are old enough to vote.
“I don’t feel safe with her being the prime minister when I’m older and for my future,” one student told 9News. Sitthixay Ditthavong
“I don’t have the right to vote yet, so it’s important to me that I express my political opinion because people who are voting for a world I will have to grow up in,” one student said.
The rallies come a month after thousands of students walked out of class for demonstrations against One Nation across the country.
Hundreds gathered at Sydney Town Hall during those protests, which were organised by the National Union of Students.
The latest demonstrations follow One Nation’s announcement this week that it wants to cut Australia’s temporary migrant population by 750,000 over three years.
Under the plan, One Nation would target international students, graduates, temporary skilled and bridging visas, and people who have overstayed their visas.
The party says net overseas migration would remain negative for three years before being capped at 130,000 a year.
The protest coincided with the Albanese government unveiling its own major migration overhaul on Thursday.
Protesters carrying signs while chanting against One Nation’s policies. Sitthixay Ditthavong
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced a ballot system for backpackers seeking to extend their stay into a second or third year.
He also unveiled restrictions on international students bringing family members and measures targeting visa overstayers and people using visitor visas to apply for other visas while in Australia.
Under the backpacker changes, 45,000 second-year places and 5000 third-year places will be available through the ballot.
The government is aiming to bring annual net overseas migration down to 225,000 by 2027-8.
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