Redbridge Group director Simon Welsh told SBS News the Coalition’s immigration stance “absolutely” backfired.

Coalition policies ‘a negative’ for diverse communities

Among the latter, which includes the Chinese and Indian diaspora, Welsh said the Coalition’s immigration policies “really were a negative”.

Labor retained Hawke, Gorton and Chisholm in Victoria, and Parramatta and Reid in NSW, despite early polling showing these highly diverse seats were contestable.

“Voters have acted with compassion and it’s time for our elected representatives and political leaders to reflect this in the incoming parliament,” deputy CEO Jane Favero said in a statement.

Migration numbers ‘weaponised’ but predicted to ‘plummet’

These included an influx of students, backpackers and temporary workers unable to travel during the pandemic, as well as several visa extensions under the Morrison and Albanese governments.