Go Back To Where You Came From

To coincide with SBS’s ground breaking documentary series Go Back To Where You Came From, SBS has released research into Australian attitudes towards refugees and asylum seekers.

Conducted by Ipsos Mackay, the report shows that support for refugees in Australia has steadily declined over the past decade with only 39 per cent of respondents agreeing that Australia has a responsibility to accept refugees. Analysis of attitudinal trends towards refugees over the past 30 years also shows a shift in support from refugees and asylum seekers towards skilled migrants reflecting Australia’s current strong economy and low unemployment rate.

The Ipsos research attitudinal segmentation produced two very clear groups of respondents: ‘Under no circumstances’ (characterised by a high level of concern about cultural difference and opposed to immigration) and ‘Room for more’ (pro-immigration and multiculturalism). Two less distinct segments are ‘On our terms’ and ‘Fear of Foreign’ with the first supportive of immigration within limits and the second suspicious of cultural difference but pro-economic immigration. These segments each represent around a quarter of respondents.

“The six participants in Go Back To Where You Came From are representative of these views but were willing to have them challenged as part of this life-changing documentary series,” SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said.

“Their transformational journey is not only compelling television but will help other Australians understand the motivation behind refugees risking everything – leaving their homes, families and countries behind – in search of a better life.

“SBS is proud to be at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of traditional television. Go Back To Where You Came From is a very real example of the potential for content to change people’s minds and lives.”

Go Back to Where You Came From will be a special television event screening across three consecutive nights commencing tonight Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 June, at 8.30pm on SBS ONE.

Go Back To Where You Came From is a Cordell Jigsaw production for SBS. The research is available on the publications section of this website.