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Albanese hits out at Farage while warning migration concerns must be 'respected'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 2:27 GMT by Sky News Australia
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Australia’s Prime Minister Slams Nigel Farage’s Reform Party – “The Politics of Grievance”

In a sharply worded interview that ran on Sky News Australia last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took aim at Nigel Farage’s newly‑formed Reform Party, describing it as a “politics of grievance” that he would not tolerate in Australia’s own political discourse. At the same time, the Australian leader re‑affirmed his government’s commitment to a balanced, respectful approach to migration, underscoring that while concerns about the size and nature of the flow of people across the world must be respected, the solution must be delivered through lawful, fair, and humane policy.

1. Farage’s Reform Party – a “politics of grievance”

Farage, best known for his role in the UK’s Brexit campaign, set up the Reform Party in 2023 with the stated aim of opposing “uncontrolled immigration” and redefining the UK’s relationship with the European Union. The party’s platform is heavily anti‑immigration, with promises to tighten borders, reduce refugee intake, and “put the needs of the British people first.” According to the Sky News article, the Reform Party’s social media posts and press releases have repeatedly warned that migration is “draining” the country and that “grievance” – a narrative of victimhood and loss – has become a powerful political currency.

Albanese did not mince words in characterising the party’s messaging. “This is a politics of grievance, a politics that says ‘the rest of the world is a threat’ and that puts the burden of the problem on the public,” he said. “It is a narrative that divides us, that encourages us to look at our neighbours with suspicion, and that ultimately is not constructive.” The Prime Minister also alluded to how the Reform Party has been linked to a series of far‑right rallies in the UK, some of which have been flagged for extremist content by the British government. “We are mindful of the dangers that arise when populist movements turn rhetoric into action,” Albanese said, emphasizing that Australia’s own political landscape must remain open, inclusive, and evidence‑based.

The article included a link to a Guardian piece that had previously covered the rise of Farage’s party, which highlighted the group’s anti‑immigration policy positions and its appeal among voters who feel that the British political establishment has not addressed “economic grievances.” Albanese’s remarks are framed against that backdrop, indicating a broader concern that such rhetoric could cross borders and influence the political climate in other democracies, including Australia.

2. Migration concerns – a need for respect and policy

While denouncing the Reform Party, Albanese made it clear that Australia will continue to respect migrants’ rights and uphold humanitarian commitments. He cited the nation’s “ongoing obligation” to protect refugees and asylum seekers who travel by sea, as well as the country’s responsibility under the 1951 Refugee Convention. “The problem is not migration itself; it is the politics of grievance that tells us to view migration as a problem, not as a chance to do right by the people who need help,” the Prime Minister said.

Albanese referenced his government’s recent policy on offshore processing, which aims to deter dangerous sea‑journeys while ensuring that all claims are examined fairly and transparently. He reminded viewers that Australia’s migration system is based on a points‑based framework that favours skilled workers and family reunification, and that the system can be “adapted if needed” to respond to changing circumstances, such as climate‑driven displacement. The article also linked to the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ website, where a new migration strategy was announced: a focus on “quality, sustainability, and integration.”

3. The “politics of grievance” in Australia’s own politics

The Prime Minister’s commentary is part of a broader conversation happening in Australian politics about how populist rhetoric can shape public perception of migration. He noted that recent elections had seen a rise in support for fringe parties that use divisive messaging. “We must not allow grievance‑driven politics to dictate our immigration policy,” Albanese said. He praised his government’s track record in upholding the rule of law, citing the fact that no mass deportations have taken place and that asylum seekers are processed under the same legal framework as any other applicant.

Albanese also mentioned that the Australian political system is built on a “respectful debate” framework, where policy is debated in parliament rather than through sensationalist headlines. “If you want a policy that is grounded in fact, you need to look at evidence, not grievance,” he concluded.

4. Additional context and resources

To give readers deeper context, Sky News linked to an interview with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who discussed the history of Australian immigration and how it has evolved over the past decades. The article also references a New York Times feature that examines how the rhetoric of “grievance” has played out in the United Kingdom, providing a comparative lens for the Australian audience.

The piece also cites a research report from the Australian Institute of International Affairs that highlights how migration trends are shifting due to climate change, conflict, and economic disparity. This report underpins Albanese’s claim that Australia’s migration policy must adapt to global realities while remaining grounded in humanitarian principles.

5. Bottom line

In the Sky News interview, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sharply criticised Nigel Farage’s Reform Party, calling it a “politics of grievance” that threatens to divide societies by framing migration as a threat. He reiterated that Australia’s migration policies are rooted in respect for human rights and that the nation’s legal frameworks can accommodate changing circumstances. By linking his critique to broader research and policy documents, Albanese sought to position the Australian government as a rational, humane counter‑point to populist, grievance‑driven politics. The article, through its links and citations, invites readers to explore both the domestic and international dimensions of the migration debate, underscoring that while concerns about migration must be respected, solutions must come from constructive policy, not divisive rhetoric.