An Indian-origin political candidate has criticized the South Australian Prime Minister, saying his comments on immigration were insulting to migrants.South Australia’s Family First Party Senate candidate Deepa Mathew said she was moved by comments made by Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas during a question-and-answer session in Adelaide this week.Speaking at an event organized by Australia’s Economic Development Commission, Malinauskas asked One Nation voters to think about “who’s going to feed you, bathe you and wipe your ass when you’re 90” if immigration is cut, Australia Today reported.The Prime Minister was talking about plans to increase skills migration to help fill jobs in defence, mining and housing construction. He said South Australia would need thousands of additional skilled workers every year, including for submarine projects.
He warned that without steady immigration, the country could lose economic growth and good-paying jobs.Mathew moved from India to Adelaide two decades ago with her husband and infant. She said that the language used by the Prime Minister turned immigrants into a stereotype.“Like thousands of other immigrants, we came in search of opportunity, freedom and a better future,” she said.She added: “Reducing the number of migrants to people who are only there to ‘survey the homeless’ is insulting and falls beneath the Prime Minister.”
Matthew worked as a banker before starting her small business. She said her family has worked hard, paid taxes and played an active role in the community since moving to the state. He said the debate on immigration must be handled in a more careful and respectful way.“South Australia needs a fair, orderly and sustainable immigration policy,” she said.“We must align immigration settings with housing supply, infrastructure and cost-of-living pressures – not use immigrants as political props,” she added.The comments were also criticized by Corey Bernardi, the leading Senate candidate for South Australia’s One Nation party. He said the wording was inappropriate and unfair to caregivers, adding that caring for the elderly was an important and respected profession.A government spokesman said it was “extremely disappointing” that the Prime Minister’s comments had been distorted for political reasons.Malinauskas acknowledged that the call for increased immigration may not be popular with everyone, but he said it is necessary to fill job shortages and support the state’s long-term growth.