Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australia's way of life is built on the values of fairness, tolerance and respect. We are a migrant nation built by generations of people who chose this country, who worked hard and who came together. That strength is now being tested.

Since Hamas's barbarism on 7 October 2023, new pressures have been placed on our social cohesion. There have been multiple failures of government to keep our community safe and together. Synagogues have been firebombed, with our Jewish community under siege. Week after week, protests have taken place across our cities. We had the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the opera house turned into backdrops for division, with overt support for terrorist organisations.

People of goodwill have been at demonstrations, but their voices have been consistently hijacked by those glorifying terrorism. That can never be accepted. This past weekend, rallies occurred across Australia, attended by people of goodwill but hijacked by violent neo-Nazis spouting hate and racism. That can never be accepted. Extremism has no place in Australia. We must never import the bitterness of overseas conflicts into our communities.

What unites us as Australians will always be stronger than those who seek to divide us. That unity is at risk. The coalition stands ready to work with the government to repair our social cohesion. This is a moment that demands leadership. The Prime Minister must show that leadership now.