On Remembrance Day, our nation will pause to honour all Australians who have served, suffered and sacrificed in wars and military operations for our nation. Remembrance Day is one of the most sacred on our national calendar. Yet, this Remembrance Day, protests have been planned by students and teachers across Australia. Freedom of speech and freedom of protest are core tenets of our democracy, but shame on those who abuse those freedoms and choose Remembrance Day, of all days, to protest. What disrespect to the fallen, what disrespect to veterans and their families and what ingratitude and historical ignorance it is choosing Remembrance Day, of all days. It's utterly disgraceful.

Let's not forget how these protests can quickly morph into violent unrest as extremists seize on the opportunity. We've seen that elsewhere. Don't think Australia is immune. We must protect our way of life. Remembrance Day must not be hijacked. I'm calling on the Prime Minister to join me in condemning these protests. Let's proudly protect and commemorate this most solemn day for our nation.