The Rubin Report Podcast Summary

Australia’s Immigration Just Took a Dark Turn & the World Needs to Know

Guest: Senator Alex Antic
Host: Dave Rubin
Date: November 6, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dave Rubin sits down in Melbourne with Australian Senator Alex Antic to discuss the state of Australia—past and present—with a focus on dramatic shifts in immigration policy, the legacy of COVID-era authoritarianism, national identity, and ongoing cultural and political tensions. The conversation offers a candid, insider perspective on how rapid change and policy missteps are reshaping the “land down under,” drawing parallels with Western democracies worldwide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Australia Today

• State of the Nation:

  • Antic reflects on how Australia has transformed from the laid-back country of his youth (“Steve Irwin and Crocodile Dundee”) to a more urbanized and pessimistic society, especially post-COVID.
  • "There is this cloud hanging over the country at the moment...a feeling of pessimism. Covid...has had a long lasting impact on the country." (Antic, 02:53)

• Lingering Effects of COVID:

  • Harsh lockdowns, the loss of businesses, and “managerial class” bureaucracy have left many Australians shaken about the reliability of their freedoms.
  • Antic recounts being forced into hotel quarantine by state authorities, highlighting a sense of government overreach.
  • “It showed the very frail nature of Western democracies...with the swipe of a pen...power to our bureaucrats.” (Antic, 04:53–05:51)

2. Australian Politics 101

• Political Landscape Clarified:

  • Antic explains the major parties and why the Australian “Liberal” Party is actually center-right (akin to U.S. Republicans), while “Labor” is the main progressive force.
  • The Australian Greens are described as the “furthest left,” with policies stretching far beyond environmentalism into immigration and identity issues.
  • "The Liberal Party...was really formed as a sort of conglomerate of centre right parties that had a conservative and...liberal-libertarian bent." (Antic, 08:14–09:01)

• Australian Political Engagement:

  • Australians are generally less engaged and more apolitical compared to Americans.
  • "We’re not quite as engaged in the political process." (Antic, 11:54)

3. What Does it Mean to Be Australian?

• Evolving Identity:
  • Urban Australia is now more multicultural and leans further left, while regional/rural Australia still embodies the archetypal, laid-back, flag-waving “Aussie” spirit.
  • A key trait is being “apolitical, forgiving, and outdoors-loving.”
  • “I think the Steve Irwin character still exists...but the urbanized Australian is quite different.” (Antic, 10:45–12:29)

4. Australia's Immigration Explosion

• Massive Influx & Public Concern:

  • Australia has taken in an estimated 2 million immigrants (close to 10% population increase) in just a few years—a major shift after COVID-era restrictions.
  • The government cites “catch up” needs and labor shortages, but Antic worries this is straining housing and social cohesion.
  • “You’re going to bring in 10% of the population in two years.” (Rubin, 15:27)
  • “The net effect...has been a press on housing, a press on living standards...lining up with 200 people for a single-bedroom apartment.” (Antic, 15:35–16:44)

• Returning ISIS Brides:

  • Ruling Labor government has controversially allowed ISIS widows to return, sparking security concerns.
  • “Including recently allowing the widows or brides from ISIS to return to Australia, which is very, very dangerous and controversial.” (Antic, 14:12)

5. Indigenous Issues and National Guilt

• Aboriginal Identity & “The Voice” Referendum:
  • Recent referendum sought to enshrine a special “Aboriginal voice to Parliament”—defeated decisively, yet Antic argues left-wing activists use guilt to push for division.
  • He contends Australia is one of “the least racist nations in the world.”
  • “This construct that Australia is a racist nation has been brewing for a long period of time...I think we’re the least racist nation in the world, actually.” (Antic, 16:44–18:54)

6. Crime, Integration, and Islamism Fears

• Integration Challenges:

  • Violence involving machetes and youth gangs is associated mostly with second-generation immigrants—not illegals—highlighting issues of assimilation.
  • “Most of the violence is not from illegals. It’s from second generation immigrants—15-year-olds whose parents came here and feel different.” (Rubin, 18:54)

• Islamist Influence:

  • While Antic avoids attributing crime to any single group, he notes cultures don’t always mix easily, requiring vigilance about integration—especially in cities like Melbourne.
  • “Sometimes cultures don’t always mix and we have to be careful of that.” (Antic, 20:18)

7. U.S.–Australia Alliance & Changing Geo-Politics

• Importance of U.S. Partnership:
  • The U.K. was long Australia’s main ally, but since Vietnam, the U.S. has filled that role.
  • Antic stresses the importance of maintaining this alliance and worries that Australia’s current government is drifting toward European alignment at the expense of its U.S. partnership.
  • "I'm a very strong believer in the US Australian alliance and I think we need it. And, and I hope that continues." (Antic, 23:15)

8. The Good Side of Australia

• Why Australia Still Shines:
  • Antic and Rubin close with praise for Australia’s lifestyle: world-class beaches, thriving wine regions, friendly people, and a spirit of easygoing hospitality.
  • Antic jokes about the country's deadly wildlife (“spiders are out of control”), but emphasizes the country’s safety and generosity.
  • "It is a little bit like a theme park. We have thought that the world is as friendly and as generous as Australians are." (Antic, 24:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"There is this cloud hanging over this country at the moment...a feeling of pessimism."
— Alex Antic (02:53)

"It showed the very frail nature of Western democracies...with the swipe of a pen...power to our bureaucrats."
— Alex Antic (04:53–05:51)

"The Liberal Party...as a sort of conglomerate of centre right parties that had a conservative and...liberal-libertarian bent."
— Alex Antic (08:14–09:01)

"We're not quite as engaged in the political process."
— Alex Antic (11:54)

"I think the Steve Irwin character still exists...but the urbanized Australian is quite different."
— Alex Antic (10:45–12:29)

"You're going to bring in 10% of the population in two years."
— Dave Rubin (15:27)

"Including recently allowing the widows or brides from ISIS to return to Australia, which is very, very dangerous and controversial."
— Alex Antic (14:12)

"Sometimes cultures don't always mix and we have to be careful of that."
— Alex Antic (20:18)

"We have thought that the world is as friendly and as generous as Australians are."
— Alex Antic (24:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Australian History & Politics 101: 01:36–10:13
• National Mood & COVID Aftermath: 02:53–07:34
• Identity & Urban vs. Rural Divide: 10:45–12:34
• Immigration Surge & Strains: 13:01–16:44
• Indigenous Politics & The Voice: 16:44–18:54
• Integration, Crime, and Islamism: 18:54–21:53
• US-Australia Relationship / Aukus: 21:53–23:46
• Advantages and Culture of Australia: 24:00–26:47

Tone & Style

The conversation is frank, self-deprecating, and often laced with dry humor (“spiders are out of control”) and mutual warmth. Antic is detailed but relatable, offering a mix of policy critique and personal anecdotes.

Conclusion

This episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and contradictions facing a rapidly changing Australia. Senator Antic’s perspective serves as both a warning and a celebration of a nation at a crossroads—raising questions about freedom, national identity, and Western resilience in the face of global pressures.