Camp Sovereignty

Senator HODGINS-MAY (Victoria) (13:53): The attack on Camp Sovereignty on sacred First Nations land last weekend was a violent escalation of far-right extremism and white supremacy that has been legitimised by individuals in this chamber.

I urge parliamentarians in this place to look inward. What we say and do in this place matters, and noble words, whether regarding the genocide unfolding in Gaza or the Neo-Nazi marches happening on our streets, mean very little if they are not backed up with actions that support them. This week we have witnessed a clear disconnect between the Albanese government's rhetoric and its actions.

While some individual government MPs have rightly condemned the Nazi organised marches that terrorised black and brown people in our streets, the Prime Minister has said that he has no doubt that there were good people who went along, while his government rams through legislation that targets multicultural Australia and strips the rights of migrants and refugees. When the government allows the far right to set the terms of public debate, it is community that pays the price. It is organisers, First Nations defenders and activists who find themselves on the front lines fighting against racism, protecting country and demanding justice while too often being vilified and criminalised for doing so. When the Prime Minister 'both sides' a rally where Neo-Nazis and extremists marched under anti-immigration—

Honourable senators interjecting—

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator O'Sullivan ): Senator Hodgins-May, please resume your seat. Senators, you may object to what is being said but this is not the time for debate and interjections are always disorderly. I ask for silence as Senator Hodgins-May continues her speech.

Senator HODGINS-MAY: When the Prime Minister 'both sides' a rally where Neo-Nazis and extremists marched under anti-immigration banners, he is legitimising racism. Instead of giving legitimacy to the politics of hate and division, governments should be amplifying the voices—

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Hodgins-May, I ask you to withdraw. You're impugning motives there.

Senator HODGINS-MAY: I withdraw. Instead of giving legitimacy to the politics of hate and division, governments should be amplifying the voices of those working for equality and justice, and strengthening, not diminishing, protections for migrants, refugees and First Nations communities. I thank the defenders of Camp Sovereignty and echo their calls for mutual aid and an increased presence on the ground. To those who resist every day, your courage strengthens us all and you show us that change is possible.