A One Nation senator has criticized the translation of government services and migrant assistance programs, arguing that these practices contribute to social division and entrench migrant communities in isolated enclaves. Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, NSW Senator Sean Bell expressed concern that providing government services in multiple languages fosters areas where English is seldom spoken, employment opportunities are limited, and welfare dependency becomes established.

Senator Bell contended that government efforts to translate services and create specialized programs encourage permanent separation among communities, thereby weakening social trust and allowing imported conflicts and prejudices to persist across generations. While he stopped short of calling for an outright end to translation services, Bell emphasized his party’s policy to abolish the federal Multicultural Affairs portfolio, currently overseen by Anne Aly. He also called for a review of grants to multicultural communities, proposing a shift toward policies focused on strengthening Australian citizenship and English language proficiency.

In his speech, Bell praised earlier waves of southern and eastern European migrants who arrived before the formal adoption of multiculturalism policy. He highlighted their efforts to integrate by learning English, joining local communities, and balancing cultural traditions with shared national identity. Bell characterized the current multicultural framework as a “divisive ideology” that categorizes Australians by ethnic and religious groups. He argued this encourages organizations funded to represent these groups and creates bureaucratic structures, which politicians then engage as separate voting blocs—further deepening societal divisions.

These views have sparked debate about the role and impact of translation services. Infectious diseases expert Nick Coatsworth, who served as Australia’s deputy chief medical officer during the COVID-19 pandemic, questioned the cost-benefit rationale of limiting translated communications. Coatsworth noted that translations were a low-cost and essential tool for delivering public health messages during the pandemic, emphasizing that Australia’s linguistic diversity necessitates accessible communication to all residents.

Multiculturalism Minister Anne Aly responded by stating that opportunity and trust cannot be fostered by excluding people from vital services. She underscored the importance of inclusive approaches to build social cohesion rather than policies that risk isolating migrant communities.

The debate highlights broader tensions surrounding Australia’s multicultural policies, balancing the promotion of English language proficiency and national unity with the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services critical for health and welfare.