Nick Cater said Australia needs a migration approach that prioritizes a person's loyalty to the nation over their race or color [1, 2].

The proposal suggests a shift in how the government evaluates potential arrivals, moving away from demographic distinctions toward a model of national cohesion. This debate touches on the fundamental requirements for social integration in a multicultural society.

Cater, a senior fellow at the Menzies Research Centre, said his perspective during an interview with Sky News Australia host Rita Panahi [1, 2]. He said that the current system should be replaced by a more realistic framework that focuses on the commitment of the migrant to their new home.

"I don’t distinguish people on their colour or race," Cater said [1].

He said that the primary requirement for those entering the country should be an overriding allegiance to the state. This approach, he said, would ensure that those who integrate into the country are those most dedicated to its success.

"So long as they’re overriding, number one loyalty is to this wonderful country that we chose to call home," Cater said [1].

The discussion highlights a growing tension between diverse recruitment strategies and the demand for a unified national identity. By focusing on loyalty, Cater said the system could avoid the complexities of race-based distinctions, while still maintaining high standards for entry.

Cater said this shift would create a more cohesive migration system [1, 2]. He said that the focus should remain on the values and loyalty a person brings to the community rather than their origin.

“"I don’t distinguish people on their colour or race."”

This argument reflects a broader ideological shift in some conservative circles toward 'civic nationalism,' where shared political loyalty and adherence to national values are prioritized over ethnic or racial demographics. If adopted, such a policy would move the focus of migration from economic or skill-based metrics toward a more subjective assessment of cultural and political alignment.