Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Why is the Prime Minister so afraid to say even the word 'racism'? Even on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Prime Minister's statement is peppered with words like 'respect' and 'safety' but no mention of racism. The Prime Minister's statement on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia doesn't say the word 'racism' either, and it barely mentions Islamophobia. He doesn't acknowledge the threats facing Muslim Australians, the targeting of mosques, the physical attacks on Muslim women or the media's continued vilification of our community. He talks about the Christchurch massacre without acknowledging it was committed by an Australian man driven by white supremacist views.

This omission is not an accident. It is a choice to not upset the far-right votes that he is so, so desperate to chase. Muslims celebrated the end of Ramadan recently, and we have seen Labor MPs slink their way into iftars and Eid celebrations as if they weren't the ones trying to criminalise criticism of Israel and its genocidal campaigns in Gaza and the West Bank, as if they weren't overseeing a NSW Police Force that assaults praying Muslims, as if they weren't the ones contributing to Islamophobia through their own dog-whistling or by standing on the sidelines when it counted. Senator Wong gaslights us every opportunity. The Prime Minister speaks from both sides of his mouth when confronted. Shame on them.

I have to say this: any mosque or community organisation that opens its doors to politicians who use these spaces for photo opportunities while working against our community's interests the other 364 days of the year should seriously reflect on this. I don't expect any better from the Liberals or One Nation. They have proven themselves to be racist, bigoted parties. Just yesterday, Barnaby Joyce compared migrants from Muslim countries to cattle to be bought and sold. This is who they are. No surprises there.

Labor, if you really wanted to help all Australians, including the Muslim community, First Nations community, migrants and the Jewish community, you would fund the national antiracism framework. We are still waiting to hear from you after 482 days. (Time expired)

Question agreed to.