Tomorrow the Greens will move to temporarily suspend proceedings in the ACT Legislative Assembly to enable debate on a motion condemning the racist anti-immigration rallies held in Canberra and across the country last weekend.
Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury said it was incumbent on all members of the Assembly to stand in solidarity multicultural communities following the events.
"These rallies have unacceptably left our multicultural communities feeling unsafe in a city they proudly call home: a city that, in turn, proudly calls them Canberrans.
"The leaders of these rallies trade in fear and division-they don't care about this country, or the issues people are facing. Their politics, scapegoating migrants for the housing and cost of living crisis-are wrong, dangerous, and designed to divide people.
"As public figures and community leaders, every member of this Assembly has a responsibility to call out these rallies for what they are: blatant racist dog-whistles that have no place in a city that strives to be inclusive, safe, and welcoming for all.
"As representatives of a fundamentally inclusive and multicultural community, I expect all members of this place to support our motion to condemn these rallies.
Greens Spokesperson for Anti-Racism, Andrew Braddock said the marches were not unique displays of racism in Canberra and that such behaviour must be called out.
"Let's be clear, the rallies held last weekend were not protest-they were a violent display of racism and hate, led by extremists pushing a White Australia agenda.
"These rallies left many in our multicultural communities feeling unsafe and unwelcome in their own city-people who have every right to feel proud and safe as Canberrans."
"These communities were already concerned about increased display and distribution of Nazi symbology and propaganda here in Canberra. It is important for the Assembly to demonstrate our support and condemnation of racist actions."
"The violence directed at peaceful First Nations groups, including the shocking attack on Camp Sovereignty in Victoria, shows that this is not just about words. These movements embolden real and dangerous harm. The oldest continuing culture on the planet should be celebrated and protected from these acts of harm."
"Racism, xenophobia, and fascism are not free speech-they are deliberate attempts to fracture our communities and normalise hate. We must call them out for what they are."
"Migrants and refugees enrich our culture, strengthen our economy, and make Canberra the diverse, vibrant city it is. That is where our true strength lies."
"The Greens are committed to building a Canberra that celebrates diversity, stands with migrant and refugee communities, and actively rejects hate, racism, and division."
