This paper talks about how the idea of ‘a fair go’ is important to Australia’s national identity. ‘A fair go’ means giving everyone equal opportunities and rights. This is also known as an egalitarian society. This paper shows that, in reality, not everyone gets ‘a fair go’.

This paper focuses on migrants with disability. It argues they are not being given the same rights as Australian citizens. It uses media stories to show how government policies go against the idea of ‘a fair go’. Focusing on disability helps us to better understand the true experiences of migrants.

Australia’s immigration policy does not give migrants with disability ‘a fair go’. When migrants want to come to Australia, they must meet certain health requirements. The government can deny entry to migrants with disability if it believes it will cost too much to support them. In this way, immigration policy discriminates against disability.

Since migrants are not citizens, they are not fully protected against discrimination. There is even a loophole in the law that allows it to happen. This shows that human rights are being upheld only for Australian citizens.

When we look at immigration through a disability lens, we can see that not everyone gets ‘a fair go’. The media plays an important role in showing that migrants with disability are not treated fairly.

About the author:

Rosie (she/they) is one of RAY's lived experience research assistants. She is a poet and physiotherapist living with mental illness. They work on unceded Gweagal and Gadigal land.