Marles slams Anning speech
‘Shameful contribution to parliament’
CORIO MP Richard Marles has taken to Parliament to slam a Queensland senator’s “repugnant” maiden speech.
On Tuesday, Senator Fraser Anning used the Nazi phrase “final solution” when calling for a complete overhaul of the country’s immigration system, and advocated for a return to the White Australia policy.
Mr Marles delivered a speech to parliament last night condemning the senator for his “repugnant” speech.
“The use by Senator Anning of the phrase “the final solution” will stand in infamy as one of the most shameful contributions ever made to this parliament,” Mr Marles said.
“While the publicity is regrettable, while the notoriety is what he seeks, the bigotry dripping from his words is so offensive to so many wonderful Australians that it must be confronted.
“There is nothing noble or enlightened or sophisticated about bigotry. It is the product of small minded, inward looking, fearful thinking. And bigotry will not help build our country or solve the many real problems facing Australians who are struggling with wage stagnation. Indeed it will do the opposite.
“Bigotry stands in the way of a prosperous Australia.”
Mr Marles also used his speech to call for an end to “the politics of fear”.
Senator Anning became a member of Katter’s Australian Party after receiving just 19 primary votes in the 2016 election. He was initially appointed to the Senate to replace One Nation’s Malcolm Roberts, but quit the party minutes after swearing in.
Both the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader spoke out against the senator’s speech, shaking hands in parliament afterwards.
“The reference in Senator Anning’s speech to the final solution is a shocking insult to the memory of over six million Jews who died in the Holo- caust,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.
“We need to stand up for what we are, a free society, the most successful multicultural society in the world, united by democratic values that do not distinguish between race, religion, colour, cultural background.”
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was important to call out racism. “Right-wing extremists are turning this into a political art form,” he said.
“They say something hateful or homophobic or sexist or racist, something designed to humiliate and denigrate and hurt, and, when their comments are condemned, they complain about political correctness gone mad, or the thought police stifling their free speech, all the while basking in the media attention.
“Free speech is a cherished value in Australian society but it is not an unfettered right to hurt, to bully, to intimidate, to make some Australians feel less equal than other Australians.”