SENATOR THE HON KRISTINA KENEALLY
DEPUTY LABOR LEADER IN THE SENATE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES
ANDREW GILES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SCULLIN
One year ago today, a tragedy unfolded as 51 men, women, and children who were quietly practising their faith were slain at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
An Australian is currently before the courts, charged with these violent murders. An act that only only be described as cowardly - driven by hatred and fear.
Our hearts broke for our New Zealand sisters and brothers who had their family, friends, loved ones and community leaders and members prematurely taken from them on 15 March 2019.
Australians stand in solidarity with our New Zealand family to mark this occasion – and to always stand against racism, hatred, fear and division.
The Christchurch attacks were an act of terror, perpetrated by a right-wing extremist.
We cannot ignore the fact that right-wing extremism is a growing and a real terrorist threat in our nation and the world. More must be done by the all levels of government in Australia to combat the threat of right-wing extremism.
Last year, in the days after the massacre, at mosques across Australia, thousands of Australians left flowers, offered condolences, and showed sympathy. That is the sort of solidarity that we must show to Australia’s Muslim community every day.
That is modern multicultural Australia – people who care about each other and look after each other.
That’s why hope will overcome fear – as long as we come together to fight the dark forces that seek to divide us.