Freedom!!

From the outset, the Australia First Party can be seen as a normal political party, fighting for the hearts and minds of nationalists in Australia. But look further and it quickly becomes apparent that this particular party is not like the others; they denounce multiculturalism, are against globalisation and immigration, and are constantly linked to groups such as the KKK and are seen to be a racist political group.


The name “Australia First” can be interpreted to be a catch cry for white supremacy, and more importantly, highlight the fact that Anglo-Saxons arrived in Australia “first”. Offcourse we all know that the Aboriginals arrived here first over 40,000 years ago, and so it is a great disrespect to our Indigenous people, that we consider the arrival of Captain Cook and the First Fleet in 1788 as having more significance. People like this, are more often than not, are of the opinion that they are the rightful owners of the land.


The AFP’s political ideologies revolve around the “reaffirmation” of an Australian identity, of achieving independence and gaining freedom. These sorts of statements, which seem innocent enough, can be interpreted in a number of ways. Take “freedom” for example; it may sound silly to say that Australians are not free. We live in a democratic society, enjoy freedom of speech and are “free”, and so we are not going to use the word "freedom" in the same context, as say someone like William Wallace would. But someone who supports the AFP may interpret “freedom” as being free from immigrants, free from globalisations, free from multiculturalism and the threats they pose to our national safety and identity.


William Wallace

And what of the “reaffirmation” an “Australian identity”? What is an “Australian identity”? For a lot of people around the world, the word “Australia” conjures images of Paul Hogan as Crocodile Dundee and a Steve Irwin pouncing on crocodiles; cultural icons which have helped introduce Australia to the world. But, can these icons be seen to represent all Australians? Can everyday Australian’s relate to such characters? The answer is no.

Steve Irwin

While a small minority may be able to relate to these stereotypes, multicultural Australia is too diverse to be segmented into one category, sharing one identity. That is what makes being Australia so great; it is an amalgamation of so many different cultures, and more importantly, it works. So why mess with it?


One way in which the AFP thinks it can manipulate our “identity” and control the influence that multiculturalism has in shaping it, is by putting a limit on immigration. The AFP gives the reason; “Immigration mistakes can be big long term mistakes. Immigration policy must take into account social cohesion, employment opportunities, urbanisation and environmental issues”. Through this, the AFP is appealing to the blue collar members of our society, and casting immigrants in a light, as being people who are coming into this country and taking jobs away from everyday Australians. As being a threat to society and our “freedom”. The AFP takes the same stance against globalisation.


Although the AFP are not as blatant, or as in your face, as some of their predecessors, they can be seen to advocate a “white” Australia policy through their stance on multiculturalism, globalisation and immigration. They represent a minority of people who believe that prior to the arrival of the First Fleet, that Australia was “terra nullius”, as can be seen from their name “Australia First”. But to quote an unlikely source :




“Well, you see, Aborigines don't own the land.They belong to it. It's like their mother. See those rocks? Been standing there for 600 million years. Still be there when you and I are gone. So arguing over who owns them is like two fleas arguing over who owns the dog they live on”


Mick Dundee