SENATOR KRISTINA KENEALLY
DEPUTY LABOR LEADER IN THE SENATE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES
ANDREW GILES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
MEMBER FOR SCULLIN
Every year in March, Australians come together in celebration of Harmony Week - culminating in Harmony Day, today, which is also the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Even in these difficult weeks and months, and despite the disappointing but necessary cancellation of local events, we must never forget that Australian multiculturalism is always worth celebrating.
Whilst Australians need to practice social distancing, but there are a great many ways we can come together to celebrate Harmony Day 2020 - including supporting our culturally and linguistically diverse small businesses or wearing orange, the chosen colour for Harmony Week.
“The way Australia has embraced migrants in our local communities, and championed their rich and vibrant cultures, is part of the great Australian success story. This is as true now as it has always been,” said Senator Kristina Keneally, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs.
“Australians, regardless of where they have come from, will always stand together. In the summer months, we stood together against devastating bushfires. Now, we face a new challenge together.”
“While the outbreak of coronavirus poses a great many challenges, Australia has always succeeded when inclusiveness and respect have prevailed,” said Andrew Giles MP, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
At a time we should be coming together, you can stand with Labor against racism by joining our campaign against racism in Australia at www.alp.org.au/standagainstracism
The Morrison Government must join us and take a stand against racism by launching a national anti-racism campaign that promotes a zero-tolerance approach to racism.
Multiculturalism is part of our national identity and Harmony Day is another opportunity to celebrate what makes us Australian.