Australia is a vibrant multicultural society. Our diversity is our greatest strength. And we live in a democracy in which every citizen is equal. This is fundamental to who we are. However, last week, three Chinese Australians, all born in this country, had their loyalty to Australia questioned by a government senator. This is a disgrace.
Read MoreI rise in this place to say thank you to the people of the Scullin electorate, the people of Melbourne and the people of regional Victoria for the extraordinary work they have done through what have been extraordinarily challenging times. It is important that this be acknowledged in this place, because all the sacrifices that have been made, the good decisions that people in Victoria have made—from the Premier to throughout the community—are n...
Read MoreIt wasn't my intention to make a contribution at this stage of the debate, but the summing-up by the minister, and, in fact, the attitude of all members opposite, requires a response. This legislation has been before the parliament for three years—three years. And in those three years—and members opposite should understand this—we have consistently sought to be constructive in addressing the issues that government members say are at risk.
Read MoreI'm very happy to stand with the member for Bruce and all of my Labor colleagues in recognising some facts. The key fact is that we are a proudly multicultural nation. Until recent times we have also been travelling people.
Read MoreThe northern and western suburbs of Melbourne are the fastest-growing parts of Australia's fastest-growing city, but their infrastructure needs have been sadly and sorely neglected under the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison governments.
Read MoreThis bill, the Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2020, would very significantly increase powers over people held in administrative forms of detention under the Migration Act, and—I make this point very clear at the outset—all of those people in immigration detention.
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