Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Regional Development) Share this | Hansard source

What has been shown this morning is that the opposition have learnt nothing from the last couple of months. We see the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate come in here with a political attack immediately. Having learnt nothing from the former opposition leader Sussan Ley, she goes on the attack without actually thinking through the consequences. The Australian people are sick of these things being politicised in this manner.

We've been notified that Mr Richardson has resigned as adviser to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The government thanks Mr Richardson for his efforts to date, and the government will continue to support the royal commission to deliver its important work, including the delivery of the interim report by 30 April.

The government established the Commonwealth Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, led by former High Court justice the Hon. Virginia Bell. This will investigate and make recommendations regarding the circumstances leading up to and including the attack in Bondi, as well as the response of government and security agencies. The royal commission will also examine antisemitism in Australia and make recommendations towards combating hatred and strengthening social cohesion. But a royal commission is not the beginning or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate antisemitism and strengthen our social cohesion. This is an ongoing national effort for all of us.

The government has also been taking immediate and practical action to combat antisemitism. Our government will continue to support the work of our Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, and we will also drive the immediate change required in educational institutions, through the work that David Gonski is doing. We will continue to work with the states and territories to implement Australia's Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy, and we have passed legislation combatting hate and extremism and delivering tougher gun laws. Commissioner Bell has said she is confident that the interim report will be delivered in accord with the letters patent, which stipulates that the interim report must be delivered by 30 April, and the government will continue to support the royal commission to deliver its important work—including the delivery of the interim report, which is well advanced.

What we see from the opposition is that they are always quick on the political attack. That's something that this government rejects, and, to be honest, it's something that the Australian people reject. We've seen the result when the opposition goes on these political attacks, as the former opposition leader Sussan Ley did. It didn't work very well for her, and where is she now? I think all senators see the political attacks by the opposition for what they are. By coming in and doing a stunt like this, all they are doing is delaying the passage of important legislation that will help the royal commission do its work. By coming in and doing stunts, they're actually delaying the important business of the Senate—that is, passing legislation that will enable the royal commission to get on and do its work. On that note, I move:

That the question be now put.