Deep Dive — Investigation 010
Immigration: Follow the Record
28,263 speeches. $18.3M in related donations. What changed?
28,263
Speeches
745
MPs Spoke
$18.3M
Related Donations
1998–2025
Time Span
Why It Matters
For over two decades, Australian MPs have debated immigration in Parliament. 28,263 speeches from 745 MPs tell a story of rhetoric that often outpaces legislative action.
28,263
Parliamentary speeches about immigration
Hansard parliamentary record
745
Distinct MPs who spoke on immigration
Hansard parliamentary record
$18.3M
In related industry donations to political parties
AEC annual returns
The parliamentary record on immigration reveals a pattern common across Australian politics: passionate debate in the chamber paired with limited legislative progress. Understanding this gap is the first step toward accountability.
Parliamentary Debate Over Time
Speeches about immigration peaked in 2015, driven by major policy debates of the era. The volume of parliamentary discussion has fluctuated significantly, often spiking around elections and key legislative moments.
Source: Hansard (parlinfo.aph.gov.au)
Key Moments
The turning points, broken promises, and moments of progress.
Early Immigration Debates
Parliamentary discussion of immigration begins in earnest.
Ongoing debatePeak Parliamentary Interest
The year with the most speeches on immigration, reflecting heightened public concern.
Heightened scrutinyCurrent State
Where the parliamentary debate on immigration stands today.
Under reviewFollow the Dollar
A total of $18.3M in related donations flowed to political parties. The data reveals which industries have the deepest financial ties to the parties that shape policy on this issue.
Source: AEC annual returns. Amounts are declared donations only.
$12.7M
Total related donations received
$2.2M
Total related donations received
$1.1M
Total related donations received
Settlement Services International
$5.3M12 donations over 2015-16-2023-24
Settlement Services Ltd
$5.0M12 donations over 2018-19-2021-22
Settlements Services International
$2.5M9 donations over 2012-13-2014-15
CBA BANK - SETTLEMENT
$2.2M3 donations over 2009-2010-2009-2010
PRESTIGE SETTLEMENT
$1.1M3 donations over 2024-25-2024-25
Pexa Settlement
$0.8M3 donations over 2024-25-2024-25
How They Actually Vote
Voting record scores from TheyVoteForYou.org.au. Higher percentage means more supportive of policy action on this issue.
Source: TheyVoteForYou.org.au. Scores based on parliamentary division voting records.
In Their Own Words
Direct quotes from the parliamentary record — sourced from Hansard.
2011-05-25
“I rise to speak on the Migration Amendment (Complementary Protection) Bill 2011. I believe that this bill addresses sensitive issues which we on this side of the parliament view with complete seriousness and responsibility. In the electorate of Rober”Spoke FOR action
2002-09-23
“Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Reconciliation Mr Ruddock —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) The 2002-03 budget provided $1.4m a year ov”Spoke FOR action
2009-05-14
“The rhetoric coming from the opposition in relation to unauthorised boat arrivals and immigration detention has been somewhat surprising. Over the past 10 months I have been working closely on these issues with members of the opposition on the Joint ”Spoke FOR action
2014-09-25
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Migration and Maritime Powers Legislation Amendment (Resolving the Asylum Legacy Caseload) Bill 2014 honours the coalition's commitment to restore the full suite of border protection and immigrati”Spoke FOR action
2005-06-15
“You have been briefed. That is because the department issued, on 8 June, a media statement headed ‘Setting the record straight—contact with the PRC consulate’. The member continually makes charges against DIMIA to the effect that they are in breach o”Spoke FOR action
2014-09-22
“I rise today to speak on the Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014. I acknowledge the contribution made by the member for Berowra. He has extensive experience and knowledge in this area and it is good to see he is supporting t”Spoke FOR action
Who Spoke Most?
The MPs who spoke most frequently on this issue. Speaking volume does not equal commitment to action.
What Can You Do?
This data is a tool for citizen engagement. Here is how you can act.
Contact Your MP
Tell your representative you care about immigration policy.
Find your MP→Check Donation Records
See who funds your local member.
AEC Transparency Register→Read the Hansard
Read what your MP actually said about immigration.
Parliamentary Hansard→Share This Investigation
Help others understand the gap between rhetoric and action.
Copy link→This investigation uses data from Hansard (parlinfo.aph.gov.au), the Australian Electoral Commission transparency register, and TheyVoteForYou.org.au. All speech data is sourced from the official parliamentary record. OPAX is an independent, non-partisan project.