Are you an extremist or just a bad politician?
I think that the Australia First Party (AFP) cannot be described as an extremist group but rather a political party whose views and policies have extremist/racial undertones. By racial undertones I mean, the way they supported the events of the Cronulla riots. The way in which the AFP thought that the Australians who attacked Muslim Australians were ‘reclaiming their beach’, shows perhaps the racist undertone I have suggested. Giving a nod towards an event such as the Cronulla riots is not characteristic of a political party but more of an extremist group. Without the recognition of being party, Australia First could be labelled an extremist group with little hesitation. Besides being similar to extremist groups, deterrence to their influence is their over-emphasis on domestic issues. This focus on domestic issues may contribute to their nationalist visage.
What the Australia First Party sees as ‘divisive’ is actually what makes our country unique and culturally enriched. Multiculturalism has done much for this country economically in terms of the contribution small businesses bring to the economy, a significant proportion of small business owners are of varying ethnic backgrounds. Immigrants from Europe and Asia have greatly contributed to the country they swore allegiance to. Why try and get rid of multiculturalism? ‘Try’ being a key word, as you can’t truly abolish multiculturalism.
An example of an extremist group is the Hammerskin Nation, a group of men and women living the Skinhead lifestyle. There are fourteen words that act as their slogan, "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White Children." When juxtaposed with the Hammerskin Nation, Australia First Party does not seem as openly radical or extreme in their views as the skinheads are. One key difference that is slightly unsettling concerning Australia First is the fact that they are a legitimate political party capable of causing political change. Perhaps they are more extreme than groups such as Hammerskin Nation who partake in forms of activism, in that they are proposing legitimate political change as a party.
Is the Australia First Party an extremist group under the guise of a political party? A definition I found of Extremist is ‘one who advocates or resorts to measures beyond the norm, especially in politics’. The Australia First Party falls under this definition as their policies are beyond the norm, the abolishment of multiculturalism is a good example here. However, the Australia First Party is exempt from being defined as an extremist group in my opinion. They are just a political party with some eccentric and unorthodox policies. And a tacky webpage.
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