Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to also speak on this matter of urgency. The government does not support this motion. Racism is an extremely serious issue here in Australia, and every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to live their life in any community without prejudice and discrimination. There's no place in this country for racism, hatred and discrimination of any kind, and we unequivocally condemn it.

I want to echo some of the commentary from Senator Blyth that this does need to have a serious national conversation. That is exactly what has been missing from some of the contributions that I've heard here today. This matter of urgency has been brought today by Senator Thorpe. I agree with some of your commentary in relation to that, but the simple fact is that Australians deserve an honest conversation. Rather than the screaming and shouting and accusing and creating outrage that happens in this chamber, the Albanese Labor government is actually getting on with the work to tackle racism.