Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—Senator Hanson speaks of division, but it is she who peddles division. Senator Hanson speaks of respect, but it is she who peddles disrespect. Senator Hanson, I listened carefully to what you had to say, and I would say this to you: you do not have to agree with the tradition of acknowledging country. I disagree with you—I think the majority of the chamber disagrees with you—but you do not have to agree with it. But it is part of the rituals and traditions of this chamber, and, as a senator, I think you should respect it. I think you should respect it.

Now, I also listened to the contribution just gone, and, I have to say, I was heartened to see the Leader of the Opposition, Ms Ley, attend the welcome to country at the opening of the parliament and state, at that opening, her respect and appreciation for Aunty Violet's welcome. Ms Ley said this:

May it set the tone as we recommit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunities for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country.

I would hope that the opposition would reflect on the words of their own leader in relation to welcomes to country.

There's been a lot said about what this chamber is, what this house is. It is a house for all Australians. It is. And it is a house that represents our history and our multicultural diversity, as well as the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the oldest in the world. I would end on this: decency and respect cost us nothing, but they go a long way to building a sense of unity. And, if you want to see what grace and respect look like, perhaps remember what Senator McCarthy said just a few moments ago. I don't intend to grant leave for any further statements, given the number—