Australian MP Tim Watts Condemns Far-Right's Anti-Indian Racism in Parliament Speech

Australiam MP Tim Watts (second from right) launches the ‘Australia-India Relations Sentiment Survey’. Photo: Facebook.

Australian MP Tim Watts has warned of emerging far-right targeting of the Indian diaspora, and has urged his fellow Parliamentarians for urgent bipartisan action

In a passionate speech delivered in Australia’s Federal Parliament, MP Tim Watts praised the nation’s diverse identity as reflected in recent parliamentary events and election outcomes. Watts reaffirmed the concept of a “progressive patriotism” that unites Australians despite their differences. 

At the same time, Watts sounded a strong warning against divisive politics, particularly new and concerning trends of anti-Indian racism emerging in parts of the Australian political right.

Addressing fellow parliamentarians, Watts celebrated the multicultural fabric of Australia that was symbolically on display during the Governor-General’s address and the swearing-in of new members on various religious texts, including the Bible, Quran, and Bhagavad Gita. 

“The last election said something about what kind of nation we are,” Watts said. He reflected on the “beauty of diversity” in members’ speeches, emphasising that modern Australia is a nation “united by common values and aspirations.”

The Rise Of Anti-Indian Rhetoric

According to Watts, social media platforms such as TikTok have seen a surge in explicitly racist, AI-generated content vilifying Indian Australians.

He referenced former Liberal National MP George Christensen’s baseless claims accusing the Albanese government of “rigging the election by flooding Australia with Indian migrants,” calling Christensen “an irrelevant nobody”, yet highlighting how such ideas nonetheless contribute to harmful division.

Watts also condemned the actions of the group Advance, which campaigns for some Liberal-National coalition candidates, for releasing an anti-immigration video explicitly singling out Indian and Chinese migrants.

The video criticised migrants for sending money overseas while weaponising a photo of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wearing a turban — an image originally intended as a symbol of respect at a Sikh event.

Watts questioned the intent behind this choice, implying it was used to inflame prejudice rather than foster understanding.

Warning Against Divisive Politics

Watts did not shy away from critiquing some factions within parliament and political parties whose tactics run counter to this spirit of unity.

He particularly called out the Greens for adopting an overly harsh “condemnation” approach that alienates potential supporters.

Watts criticised elements within the Liberal-National coalition for actions ranging from “labelling Chinese Australians as spies” to “preferencing” the far-right One Nation party, which he said seemed designed to “alienate every segment of modern Australia.”

Watts also raised alarm bells over a disturbing recent trend — rising anti-immigration and racist rhetoric specifically targeting Indian diaspora communities within right-wing political circles. He warned that this “narrow part of right-wing politics” is increasingly singling out Indian Australians in an unprecedented manner.

Modern Australia In Parliament

Watts pointed to gender equality visible on government benches and the diverse cultural backgrounds of MPs as evidence that Australia is moving towards a more inclusive democracy.

He praised the recent election for rejecting politicians who thrive on “the politics of division” — those who exploit societal challenges to drive wedge politics and alienate communities.

Highlighting the complex global context Australia faces — including international conflicts that deeply affect many Australians — Watts noted the strain these issues place on social cohesion.

“Cohesion is a verb, not a noun,” he said, underscoring that maintaining unity requires active effort, ongoing dialogue, and empathy. Watts called for Australians to engage with one another in “good faith,” listen with curiosity rather than judgment, and seek understanding even amid disagreement.

Calls for Bipartisan Action

The MP urged the new Leader of the Opposition Susan Ley to join the cause of embracing diversity and to actively confront and “nip in the bud” this troubling trend targeting Indian diaspora communities.

He expressed hope that the Liberal Party would rise to reflect “modern Australia” genuinely, not just in rhetoric but through actions that counter racism and division.

“This is a mission for all of us,” Watts said, stressing the importance of collaborative leadership to uphold Australian values of respect, inclusion, and fairness.