Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development) Share this | Hansard source

It's appropriate to recognise the historical context in which the Racial Discrimination Act was introduced. It was a global era of civil rights reform, and Australia, too, in bipartisan support, embarked on a legislative journey to confront racial discrimination. The act itself was passed by the parliament on 11 June 1975 and came into force on 31 October. The law outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin or immigration status. At its very heart, the Racial Discrimination Act articulated a core national value that all Australians, whatever their background, should be equal before the law and enjoy the same fundamental rights and opportunities.

From a conservative standpoint, two principles frame our approach: the protection of individual rights and the preservation of freedoms, including speech and religion, within an inclusive society. The Racial Discrimination Act represents a legislative foundation for a fair go for all—a value intrinsic to the National Party that reaffirms our commitment to uphold equality before the law, to protect individual rights and to ensure that every single Australian has access to opportunity, no matter what their colour, gender or religion or where they live.

Importantly, the act has contributed to Australia's evolution into a more multicultural, inclusive society—one which increasingly recognises that cultural diversity is a source of national strength, especially to our rural and regional communities. The National Party, as a representative voice for regional Australia, brings to this discussion a particular perspective—one grounded in practical reality and one grounded in opportunity, community empowerment and the promotion of secure inclusive regional communities. Our own policy framework states clearly that we want to see stronger, more secure and sustainable local communities that provide the opportunity for everyone to prosper, delivering a stronger, more secure and sustainable nation.

When I think about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations out in rural and regional communities, I think of National Party electorates—like the electorates of Parkes, New England, Cowper, Maranoa, Page, Flynn, Dawson, Lyne, Riverina and even Capricornia, which are all in the top 20 electorates around this country with high proportions of Indigenous Australians. It is very much in our interest to have an inclusive society and for all Australians to experience equality under law and in community. That is very much something that National Party MPs and senators uphold.

It has often been the case—and it's been so even in this chamber this week—that confusing and legitimate concerns in the community about high immigration under this current government or voting no at a referendum on the Voice somehow mean Australia is a racist country, and that is wrong. It is absolutely wrong. Is there more work to do? Absolutely. Is it beholden on everybody in this chamber and outside of parliament to take individual and collective responsibility for that? Yes, it is. But it shouldn't be an excuse to shut down legitimate debates and concerns about real problems in our broader community.

We need to recognise and understand that living in rural and regional Australia does bring unique demographic challenges but also significant opportunities. We're increasingly multicultural, with migrant arrivals and seasonal workforce movements. Local government jurisdictions are managing very, very diverse needs. We need to ensure that the protections of the Racial Discrimination Act are operational in these settings, as both a moral and an economic imperative. At the 50-year milestone, our work is far from complete. We need to ensure that the Racial Discrimination Act remains a cornerstone to enlighten all of our individual and collective behaviours to make sure that Australia remains inclusive for everybody who chooses to build a future here.