Page 1342 - Week 04 - Thursday, 4 April 2019
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(2) calls on the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure to review the Continuing Resolution 5, MLA’s Code of Conduct, namely whether the Code of Conduct should be enhanced to reflect MLAs’ responsibilities for respectful dialogue.
The impacts of the terrorist attack in Christchurch last month have been felt right across the world, including here in the ACT. This Assembly has expressed its condolences to everyone affected by the attack. When the condolence motion was moved in this place, we extended our support to Canberra’s Muslim communities during this time.
Like many members, I visited the Gungahlin mosque in the days following the Christchurch attack. It was sobering to join with those at the mosque reflecting on the violent attacks that had occurred just days before. It was clear that the extremist attacker wanted to create fear within communities. He wanted to spread his hatred and cause division, threatening our democratic values and respect for religious expression. Several leaders at the mosque told me they wanted to see more done to ensure that divisive hate speech was condemned in our city. As Australia’s most inclusive and diverse city, Canberra should not be a place where hate and division are harboured.
Since the Christchurch attack we have unfortunately seen political figures responding with violent, disgraceful comments that only cause further harm. Yesterday, in the Australian Senate we saw a senator censured for his shameful comments and actions. This displayed a clear message that Australians condemn hate speech and discrimination in all its forms. It is this kind of national bipartisan leadership that will ultimately change the political discourse in this country.
We are, sadly, at a point in our nation’s history where political discourse has been fuelled by extreme ideologies and ideological arguments from commentators that frankly do not deserve the platform they stand on. We as political representatives should be leading by example, and in moving this motion today I am asking that all members join me in doing so.
I recognise that politics requires robust debate on policies and ideas, but our debates should never incite racism or division. On each sitting day we all pray or reflect on our responsibilities to the people of the Australian Capital Territory, and it is our responsibility to do all we can to shut down disrespectful dialogue within this chamber and right across the city.
This motion seeks to ensure that racism, hate speech and discrimination in all its forms are not given a platform within this place. I commend this motion to the Assembly. I have an amendment, adding a reporting date to the original motion. I therefore move:
Insert a new paragraph (3): “calls on the committee to report to the Assembly by the end of September 2019.”
MR COE (Yerrabi—Leader of the Opposition) (11.02): The opposition will of course be supporting this motion and we welcome Ms Orr moving it. The terrible terrorist
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