Australia is known for being an open country with a transparent economy, encouraging cooperation, particularly in the development of the Indo-Pacific region, and offering open borders to immigrants from diverse countries.
Australia has long prided itself on embracing multiculturalism and maintaining openness towards other nations, but recently, the outlook appears to be shifting.
In recent years, nationalism has been seeping back into discourse worldwide. While often more visible in nations like the U.S., Australia has also seen increasing waves of nationalism.
As seen recently during the ‘March for Australia’ protests in September 2025, four weeks after the pro-Palestine ‘March for Humanity’ protests.
Tens of thousands of Australians participated in this protest, illustrating clear evidence of Australians’ discontent with ‘mass immigration’.
“Stop immigration” signs and Australian flags were waved around during the protest.
Over 500 thousand migrant arrivals were recorded during the 2024-2025 financial year, a 14% decrease from the previous year. Since the pandemic began, there has been a decrease in immigration numbers.
So why are Australians perceiving immigration as a threat?
It could be due to inflation, the rising economic insecurity, and an increase in the cost of living and job hunting difficulties.
Research has shown that economic insecurity and hostility towards immigrants have led to mistrust in institutions that promote policies of mass immigration and globalisation.
Moreover, economic strain appears to have contributed to negative perceptions of immigration, with almost half of Australians believing that immigration rates are too high, while financial crises remain burdensome.
Despite growing discontent with mass immigration and concerns over Australia’s focus on international collaboration rather than national security, the country remains heavily reliant on global actors.
Australia maintains strong economic ties, most notably with China, alongside a complex political relationship shaped by deep economic interdependence and cross-cultural links. As Australia’s largest trading partner, China remains a key destination for exports such as iron ore.
In addition, international education has been a significant economic driver from 2023 to 2024, contributing more than $50 billion to the economy. For Australia, being globally engaged is not a choice, but a necessity for a strong economy and governance.
What does this mean for young Australians?
Instead of viewing globalisation and international cooperation as threats to Australian values, we can choose to see external influences as opportunities to strengthen our nation.
By embracing opportunities of studying abroad, networking with the international community, and learning from different societal norms, Australia can continue to evolve and improve.
This kind of global engagement can further drive innovation, advance Australia’s technology, and inspire policies that contribute to a safe and more effective society.
Additionally, it enriches our multicultural identity, from diverse cuisines to new perspectives. In a world that is already deeply interconnected, embracing these global interactions allows Australia to be more adaptable, dynamic, and efficient, while concurrently growing in diversity.
Small World, Big Issues 