Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Science) Share this | Hansard source

Australians are rightly concerned by the clear deterioration of social cohesion in this country. We've seen it in the shocking acts of violence unleashed at Bondi Beach. More broadly, we are seeing it in the vandalism and desecration of war memorials across Australia, including the 100-year-old St Helens cenotaph staff in Tasmania. We also saw it on Australia Day, where there was an alleged act of terror driven by racism at a protest in Perth, with a dangerous device thrown into the crowd. Australians have a fundamental right to protest peacefully and they equally have the right to feel safe when exercising that freedom. Violence, intimidation and terrorism have no place in our democracy.

These are not isolated incidents. They reflect a deeper problem, a growing sense of division and grievance that is pulling Australians apart. This must be confronted early, and it must start with education, teaching young Australians to love this country, to honour our veterans and to learn how to disagree peacefully without resorting to hatred or violence. If we fail to act, we are headed down a dark path. We must set clear standards for what is acceptable. Burning our national flag, desecrating memorials and terror attacks should never be excused, and we must introduce strong consequences. Australia is at its best when we are united—one people proud of who we are, respectful of our history and committed to a shared future.

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