Jacinta Collins (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I want to be clear that the Labor Party did not deny formality, but we would oppose this motion. Firstly, I want to reflect on the concerns, or reservations, many senators have about how formal business is being managed in this place. I understand, on this occasion, the government will support this suspension of standing orders. It's their business agenda. If they want to allow it to be diverted in this fashion, who are we to necessarily compromise that? But, in relation to this motion, I want to make it clear that Labor firmly believes that the Muslim community is already providing valuable cooperation with security and enforcement agencies. The security agencies themselves say that this cooperation is one of the most important tools they have in the fight against extremism and terrorism.

Labor abhors violent extremism in all its forms. Singling out one community is rarely helpful. This motion is a sad attempt at a stunt. Division gives terrorists and those who wish to do us harm exactly what they want.