Lisa Darmanin (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Racism in all its forms is ultimately a denial of dignity and respect. Today we mark the anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act, but let's also remark on its continuing aspirations into the future, because the act doesn't prevent these denials from continuing to happen, as those of us here in this place know well. But it sets the standard for how we should approach these denials, and it sets a framework for how we should respond. We have witnessed stunts to shock and divide—entering this chamber in cultural or religious dress, not as a sign of respect but as a prop to ridicule. We have seen senators turn their backs on acknowledgement of country, a small but deeply significant act of respect to the First Nations peoples of this land. We hear inflammatory claims that entire communities are a threat to public safety, seeking to weaken racial vilification protections under section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, framed as free speech. (Time expired)

Question agreed to.