How a conspiracy theory embraced by Trump became part of mainstream Australian politics

Australia's political landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with far-right narratives increasingly shaping public discourse. At the heart of this transformation lies a conspiracy theory originally popularized by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has found fertile ground in Australia's growing right-wing movement. As the country grapples with rising concerns over immigration, the influence of these ideas has moved beyond fringe circles and into mainstream political debate. The theory, known as the "great replacement," posits that demographic changes in the West, particularly the increasing presence of non-white populations, are the result of a coordinated effort by leftist and Jewish elites to replace white populations through controlled immigration policies. This belief has gained traction among certain segments of Australia's political class, especially within the Liberal Party and the far-right One Nation party. Both parties have expressed support for reducing immigration levels, with the Liberal Party aiming to lower annual intake to its lowest point since 2009. One Nation, led by Senator Pauline Hanson, has become a major force in Australian politics, currently leading federal polls. Its rhetoric aligns closely with the great replacement theory, framing immigration as a threat to national identity and cultural preservation. In 2025, One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts openly endorsed the idea of "remigration", the forced deportation of non-white immigrants and their descendants, as a potential solution to perceived demographic threats. Similarly, Pauline Hanson publicly supported the idea of mass deportations, stating, "I love it," when asked about a UK far-right party's similar proposal. This ideology has not gone unnoticed by other political figures. Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister and current leader of the Liberal Party, has echoed elements of the great replacement theory in his writings. In a statement, he suggested that "green-left, cultural Marxist governments" view mass migration from the "global south" not as a challenge, but as a deliberate strategy to reshape societies. His comments reflect a broader trend within conservative circles in Australia, where fears of cultural erosion and loss of national sovereignty are being amplified by such theories. The origins of the great replacement theory can be traced to the United States, where it emerged under Donald Trump's leadership. In 2025, the Trump administration established an Office of Remigration within the State Department, though details of its operations remain obscure. Reports suggest that this office was intended to facilitate large-scale repatriation of non-white immigrants, drawing parallels with the policies advocated by One Nation leaders. While the extent of U.S.-Australian collaboration on this issue remains unclear, the ideological overlap is undeniable. The consequences of this ideology have been dire. Since 2017, individuals influenced by the great replacement theory have carried out numerous racially motivated attacks, with Muslims and Jews often being the primary targets. The most infamous case occurred in 2019, when the Christchurch shooter, inspired by the theory, killed 51 Muslims in New Zealand. His manifesto explicitly referenced the great replacement narrative, highlighting its dangerous appeal to extremist thinking. As the political climate continues to evolve, the normalization of these ideas poses significant challenges for Australia's democratic institutions. With One Nation gaining momentum and the Liberal Party adopting more hardline stances on immigration, the risk of policy shifts that could lead to mass deportations or other restrictive measures grows. The implications extend beyond immigration policy, raising questions about the protection of minority rights and the integrity of Australia's multicultural framework. The path forward will depend on how these debates unfold in the coming months and whether the broader public remains vigilant against the spread of harmful ideologies.