As the Federal Election draws closer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by campaigns, manifestos, and headlines; especially with fear-mongering surrounding refugees and people seeking asylum fuelling certain political agendas. Despite this targeted misinformation, we invite you to choose community over division this weekend. Across Australia, people from displaced backgrounds are enriching our culture, building businesses, and contributing to society in countless ways.
At Welcome Merchant, we have the privilege of witnessing their strength and resilience everyday. So let’s replace myths with facts, and fear with hope. Make sure you too are going to the voting booth equipped with the truth about the rich community of refugees and people seeking asylum, in Australia and beyond.
FACT 1: Refugees are an economic asset to Australia
People from refugee backgrounds contribute enormously to our economy. Though some politicians may want you to believe that restricting the amount of displaced people entering Australia will ‘fix’ financial issues, the reality is vastly different. Refugees are more than twice as likely to start a business compared to the average Australian. Supporting their entrepreneurial efforts could generate $1 billion AUD for the economy over the next decade (Amnesty International, 2024).
Refugees are resourceful, skilled and driven to rebuild; you only need to look as far as the Welcome Merchant Directory to see the breadth of talent that refugees and people seeking asylum offer to the country.
FACT 2: Refugees socially enrich our communities
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world: nearly one in three of us was born overseas. The Australia you know and love has been shaped by generations of migration, resilience, and cultural exchange. From food to festivals, languages to local businesses, it’s this variety that gives Australia its richness.
Refugees are part of this ongoing story: bringing new skills, perspectives, and determination to rebuild. Many learn English, gain qualifications, volunteer in their neighbourhoods, and start their own enterprises, weaving themselves into the fabric of Australia.
Our culture isn’t a static thing to defend; it’s something we grow together. Whether it’s a new dish at your local café, or a child learning a new language at school, diversity makes our communities stronger, more vibrant, and more connected.
FACT 3: Australia can do more, and it has room to
Australia has the capacity, resources, and space to offer refuge. As one of the least densely populated countries on Earth, and one built on immigration, welcoming those in need is not only possible, it’s part of our national story.
Despite this, false claims, such as Peter’s Dutton’s statement that migration is “unsustainable”, are gaining traction. These narratives imply that people coming to Australia are putting strain on housing, infrastructure, and services, without acknowledging the broader economic and social contributions migrants and refugees make.
In truth, refugees represent a tiny portion of Australia’s population; just 0.5%. And between 2013 and 2023, Australia accepted a mere 0.21% of the world’s people seeking asylum.
Globally, ⅓ of all refugees are hosted by just five countries: Iran, Turkey, Colombia, Germany, and Uganda. These nations, many with fewer resources than Australia, are stepping up. Welcoming those in need isn’t just possible, it’s part of who we are.
FACT 4: Seeking safety is a human right
Seeking asylum is a human right, not a crime, and certainly not a matter of “jumping the queue”. There is no single line that refugees can join. Global resettlement is based on need and vulnerability, not on when or how someone applies.
The label “economic migrant” is often used to delegitimise the claims of people seeking asylum, assuming they are moving freely. But no one uproots their life lightly. Fleeing your home, your family, and your community is a last resort and a matter of survival and dismissing people as “queue jumpers” erases their trauma.
Under international law, anyone has the right to seek asylum, whether they arrive by boat, plane, or any other means. In fact, as a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Australia must legally uphold these rights.
Refugees are not breaking the rules: they are using the very system designed to protect them.
FACT 5: Our approach can be safe and compassionate
People seeking asylum are fleeing the very dangers we all fear: war, torture, and persecution. Before they’re resettled in Australia, they go through some of the most rigorous identity, health, and security checks in the world.
The idea that tougher policies are needed to “keep criminals out” is not only false, it’s dangerous. It stokes fear, fuels division, and ignores Australia’s legal obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Furthermore, detention for people seeking safety causes serious and long-term harm.Take the example of Mostafa Azimitabar, a Kurdish-Iranian refugee who was unlawfully detained in Melbourne hotels for 14 months. He wasn’t a criminal, he was simply seeking refuge. But, he was denied access to the outdoors, and these conditions severely impacted his mental health. Devastatingly, his story isn’t unique; Australia’s detention policies breach basic human rights.
Detention should never be indefinite, yet on average, people seeking asylum are detained for almost three years in Australia. This is not the answer, and we must push for policies that reflect care, justice, and our legal responsibilities.
FACT 6: We all have a role in global solutions
It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of global crises, but in truth, we all have a role to play. Australia can do more: we can increase our refugee intake, provide permanent protection, and end cruel practices like offshore detention.
Beyond policy, each of us can make a difference. Supporting refugee-owned businesses, donating to organisations doing the work, or even just sharing accurate information can create ripple effects.
Most importantly, we can vote with our values. Compassionate leadership is shaped by compassionate people, and that includes you.
A Fairer Future Starts Here
Australia has a proud tradition of standing up for what’s right, of welcoming those in need, and building communities based on ‘a fair go’.
As we head to the polls, we have a choice. Let’s vote with compassion. Let’s support leaders and policies that reflect dignity and justice. Let’s back refugee-powered businesses and champion human rights.
The truth is clear: refugees are not the problem. They are part of the solution