Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In relation to motion No. 395, I seek to add the name of Senator Fierravanti-Wells. I, and also on behalf of Senator Fierravanti-Wells, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the Australian citizenship pledge, which in part reads as follows:

I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey; and

(b) calls on all schools to consider having the citizenship pledge recited by students on appropriate occasions.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

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

Instead of working to make students proud of our nation by leading on justice for First Nations people, by tackling the climate crisis and by ensuring that no Australian is left behind because of rising inequality, some in this place would rather have them recite a US-style pledge. This is a classic tactic of creating a problem where none exists. The bushfire crisis this summer has demonstrated the enduring strength of the Australian spirit in the community. We don't want to cheapen that spirit by forcing students to perform a jingoistic pantomime that fails to acknowledge Australia's settler colonial past and continued occupation. The Greens will not be supporting this motion.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 395 be agreed to.