MARK DREYFUS MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
ANDREW GILES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
MEMBER FOR SCULLIN
The Morrison Government must join with Labor and take a stand against the shocking rise in racism and hatred directed at Asian-Australians during the COVID-19 crisis.
A Chinese-Australian family’s home was the target of an appalling racist attack for two nights in a row, with racist graffiti sprayed on the garage and a rock thrown through a window.
On the weekend a respected doctor in Geelong was racially abused while waiting for takeaway food.
Two international students were physically and verbally assaulted in Melbourne’s CBD.
A database of racist incidents against Asian-Australians received 178 responses in just two weeks.
This racism must stop. There is no place for racism in Australia.
According to the Australian Human Rights Commission around a quarter of people who have lodged complaints about racial discrimination in the past two months have been targeted because of COVID-19.
Discrimination and racism are unacceptable. We need a bipartisan approach to combating racism in Australia through a national anti-racism campaign.
A national anti-racism campaign would both tackle existing problems of racism and be a positive action we can take to promote community cohesion into the future.
Coronavirus poses huge challenges, but Australia is stronger for our diversity.
Labor understands that the vast majority of Australians are doing the right thing and pulling together, but more needs to be done.
Everyone deserves respect, especially now, at this time of crisis. It’s time for a national anti-racism campaign.