I rise to bring to this parliament a statement in support of unity over fear—a petition signed by over 80,000 Australians—and to associate myself with its call to say no to racism against Asian Australians, to say no to racism and to encourage all members and senators to join me.
Read MoreThe past months have been a challenging time for all Australians, but I think we all in this place can acknowledge the extraordinary contribution that the community has demonstrated. I'd like to highlight that which I have witnessed in my electorate of Scullin...
Read MoreUniversity jobs are worth saving and they are worth fighting for. I'm proud to be part of a Labor team that's working with university administration, unions and student activists to save these important jobs. But the Morrison government has been doing exactly the opposite. It is pushing university workers into unemployment queues.
Read MoreAll Australians are facing the consequences of COVID-19. This is a health emergency, and it is so much more than a health emergency. Its consequences are vast, and so too are the responsibilities of all of us in this place. As with all of us who have the opportunity to contribute to this debate, the weight of that responsibility weighs very heavily on my shoulders.
Read MoreAustralians are rightly proud of our multicultural society, but we can't take it for granted. On this side of the House we most certainly do not. It is under threat, in particular from the insidious force that is racism.
Read MoreNow is the time for reaching out and helping out, particularly from those on the side opposite who have the opportunity to make a difference. But the member for La Trobe, the Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, has been doing the opposite. He has been fear-mongering on Facebook.
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