Australian Opposition Courts Chinese Voters Ahead of Upcoming Election

With the election approaching, Australian opposition candidates are strategically using Chinese social media apps to reconnect with Chinese Australian voters, a group that previously leaned conservative but shifted their support in the last election. Candidates are showcasing their ties to the community and addressing concerns over racism as they vie for crucial votes.

In the lead-up to the imminent election, candidates from Australia's opposition are making a concerted effort to reclaim the support of Chinese Australian voters who turned away from the conservative Liberal-National coalition during the last polls. Notably, they are engaging with these voters through platforms previously criticized for national security reasons, namely WeChat and RedNote. A 2022 Lowy Institute poll revealed that nearly 60% of Chinese Australians access WeChat daily, making it a vital tool for outreach.

Grange Chung, a candidate contesting New South Wales' Reid seat, which is currently held by the Labor party with a slim margin, spoke on WeChat about his journey and commitment to serving Australia, highlighting the opportunities his family received when they immigrated. He emphasized the importance of winning over Burwood, a suburb rich in Chinese culture.

Historically, Chinese Australians comprised just 5.5% of the national population but played a pivotal role in Labor's victory in 2022. Analysts attribute the community's shift away from the Liberal party to perceptions of inadequate responses to racial assaults throughout the pandemic, as well as the anti-China sentiment fostered by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

As polling suggests tightening competition for the Liberal party, candidates have amplified their outreach efforts in constituencies with high Chinese Australian populations. Candidates, such as Chung—who began using WeChat earlier this year—post interviews with local Chinese business owners and share community-centric messages. Research indicates a substantial rise in Liberal advertisements on WeChat, eclipsing those from the Labor party.

Reid resident Henry Luo noted a marked increase in efforts to engage the Chinese Australian community through targeted advertising and partnerships with influencers. Additionally, politicians beyond the Chinese ethnicity are gaining traction on these platforms by showcasing cultural participation, such as celebrating festivals or dining in local restaurants.

Despite growing visibility on Chinese apps, the potential for translating engagement into votes remains uncertain. Qiuping Pan, a lecturer in Chinese Studies, cautions that the electorate’s growing political awareness might lead some to favor independent candidates who seemingly advocate more effectively for local interests.

Some community members, like Erin Chew from Sydney, express discontent over the perception of Chinese Australians as mere political tools. Specific incidents, such as allegations by Liberal senator Jane Hume regarding Asian volunteers, have further polarized the political landscape, raising concerns among voters.

In Bennelong, a critical seat with a substantial proportion of residents of Chinese descent, candidate Scott Yung adopts a careful approach, using translated content to communicate effectively with voters who primarily speak Mandarin or Cantonese.

Considering the delicate balance of diplomacy between China and Australia, the concerns arising from increasing racism and business relations weigh heavily on the minds of Chinese Australians. Some voters perceive contradictions in the Liberal campaign's conciliatory social media efforts when juxtaposed with their leader's tough stance on migration.

As the election approaches, how candidates navigate these dynamics in their messaging and outreach will be pivotal in determining their success at the polls.