Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Faruqi was quick to condemn those who attended anti-immigration rallies, yet she had no hesitation marching across the Sydney Harbour Bridge during a protest where terrorist flags were flown and extremist chants rang out. Australians, though, can see the double standard. Ordinary mum and dads concerned about Labor losing control of immigration and in particular the impact on housing are smeared and vilified, but when Hamas and Hezbollah banners are paraded in our streets Senator Faruqi and, unfortunately, it would appear, given the government's amendment, the government, not only look the other way; but, quite frankly, in Senator Faruqi's case, she joins the crowd.

As I said, we have a simple principle in the coalition: Australia must defend free speech and peaceful assembly while drawing a hard line against extremism of every kind. The overwhelming majority of Australians who join rallies and protests do so peacefully and lawfully. Their right to do so is a cornerstone of our democracy and must always be protected. But when extremists attempt to hijack those rallies, whether they be Neo-Nazis, pro-Iranian agitators or terrorist sympathisers, as we have seen over the last few weeks, the line must be drawn.

Neo-Nazi symbols have appeared at immigration rallies. That is an absolute disgrace. Pro-Iranian extremists have sought to intimidate communities. That is an absolute disgrace. Most disturbingly, the flags and slogans of proscribed terrorist organisations, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, have been displayed openly on Australian streets, including across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Let me say that that is an absolute disgrace. These are not legitimate political statements. They are acts of intimidation designed to spread fear and glorify violence.

I have a very, very strong message for the government: the Senate cannot be selective in its condemnation. Hate is hate; extremism is extremism. The Senate must apply one standard—not one for one group that Labor finds it politically expedient to denounce and another for those it prefers to excuse.

The amendment, moved on behalf of the coalition, ensures that principle is upheld. It calls for the strict enforcement of the laws we already have against glorifying terrorism and inciting violence. I'm actually astounded that the government is not able to adopt our amendment. If they did, the Senate would make clear that we defend the right of Australians to peaceful protest, but we will never tolerate those who seek to poison our democracy with swastikas, terrorist flags or pro-dictatorship propaganda.