Family First South Australia Legislative Council lead candidate Deepa Mathew has condemned Premier Peter Malinauskas for what she says are deeply offensive remarks suggesting migrants are needed to "wipe your bum when you're 90".
Mr Malinauskas made the comments while challenging One Nation voters over immigration levels during a speech this week.
Mrs Mathew, who migrated from India to Adelaide 20 years ago as a young mother and has since built a successful career in banking and finance before establishing her own small business, said the Premier's language demeaned migrants and reduced them to a stereotype.
"I came to South Australia with my husband and young family seeking opportunity, freedom and a better future," Mrs Mathew said.
"Like thousands of other migrants, I have worked hard, contributed to the economy, paid taxes, created jobs and volunteered in my community.
"My family and I have embraced the Australian way of life. We have assimilated.
"To reduce migrants to people who exist to 'wipe bums' is offensive and beneath the office of Premier."
Mrs Mathew said South Australia needs a sensible, sustainable immigration policy that serves the long-term interests of families, housing affordability and social cohesion — not crude rhetoric designed to score political points.
"Migrants are doctors, engineers, small business owners, aged care professionals, teachers and entrepreneurs. We are not a political prop," she said.
She said the housing crisis gripping South Australia could not simply be solved by ramping up population targets without first addressing supply, infrastructure and cost-of-living pressures.
"Family First believes strong families, affordable housing and secure jobs are the foundation of a thriving state. Immigration settings must align with those priorities — not undermine them," Mrs Mathew said.
"As someone who loves this country and this state, I want an immigration program that is fair, orderly and sustainable — and a political culture that treats migrants with dignity."
