Mark Coure
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism
MEDIA STATEMENT
Remarks by Senator Pauline Hanson questioning whether there are "good Muslims" are offensive, divisive, and completely inconsistent with Australian values.
To single out an entire faith group and question their goodness or legitimacy as Australians is not only wrong, it risks fuelling fear and prejudice along with division in our communities.
Muslim Australians are an integral part of the fabric of New South Wales they are our neighbours, our workmates, our doctors and nurses, our teachers, tradies, small business owners, volunteers and emergency service workers.
They raise families, run businesses, serve our communities and proudly call Australia home.
Their contribution to our state and country is significant and valued.
Rhetoric that targets people on the basis of faith undermines decades of work to build a harmonious, inclusive multicultural society.
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural nations in the world, we have people from all corners of the globe.
When political leaders use language that casts suspicion on entire communities, it does real harm. It makes people feel unwelcome, unsafe and unfairly judged in the country they love.
I have had the privilege of working closely with Muslim community leaders, families and organisations across our state, and what I see time and again are communities focused on education, opportunity, service and giving back. Values that reflect the very best of Australia."
At a time when social cohesion has come under strain, everyone in public leadership should be seeking to unite Australians, not tearing them apart for political gain.
There is no place for fear-mongering, dog-whistle politics or divisive rhetoric in modern Australia.
Our future depends on unity, mutual respect and the shared belief that everyone deserves dignity and fairness.
