Australia’s Immigration Minister Rejects ‘Assimilation’ Concept in Migration Debate

MP Tony Burke backs ‘integration’ and says migrants should maintain their identity.

Minister for Home Affairs, Cyber, and Immigration Tony Burke addresses the chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Jan. 20, 2026. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Australia’s Labor Immigration Minister Tony Burke says he doesn’t accept the term “assimilation” because he doesn’t want migrants to “lose who they are.”

“The concept of immigration, is people when they come to Australia want to be part of Australia,” he told Australia’s multicultural broadcaster SBS.