“Just when you begin to hope that the Labor Party was starting to find a backbone on refugees, Bill Shorten has gone to water,” said Australian Greens Leader, Dr Richard Di Natale.  
 
“Despite his Deputy saying the Government’s policy to transfer sick patients to Christmas island for treatment was ‘difficult to understand’ and his Immigration spokesperson saying the reopening the centre was ‘silly’, Bill Shorten thinks it’s ‘fine’.
 

Fraser Anning’s vile comments in the Senate today were absolutely beyond the pale. If he has a shred of decency, he will immediately apologise. 
 
Referring to immigrants, particularly Muslim immigrants, with the same language that the Nazis used to discuss the extermination of Europe’s Jews during the Holocaust is vile, racist, bigoted and has no place in our society, let alone our Parliament. 
 

Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale today released draft laws aimed at protecting multiculturalism in Australia. Speaking at the Migration Institute of Australia’s national conference, Di Natale released a draft copy of the Australian Multicultural Bill 2017, which enacts one of the key recommendations of the report of the Senate Select Committee on Strengthening Multiculturalism established by the Greens earlier this year.
 

Amendment to General Business Notice of Motion No. 447. As listed on pages 7-8 of today’s Notice Paper in the name of Senator Di Natale

To move—That the Senate acknowledges the proposal below for a code of conduct:

PARLIAMENTARY CODE FOR RESPECTING CULTURAL DIVERSITY

PREAMBLE

The House of Representatives and the Senate have reached agreement on a Code of Conduct which is to apply to all members of Parliament.

After months of community consultation, a Senate Inquiry into Strengthening Multiculturalism, has made 13 strong recommendations that will lead to a more inclusive Australia, says the Committee’s Chair, Australian Greens Leader Dr Richard Di Natale.

“Australia is a proud multicultural nation. It’s a huge part of our history and it is what makes our nation great. At a time when hateful and divisive rhetoric is rising amongst some political leaders both here and abroad, these recommendations are more important than ever, said Di Natale.