Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Recently we have witnessed some of the ugliest discrimination in Australia by our country’s elected representatives. In the past few weeks the coalition have not only unveiled their views on each other but unveiled their views on discrimination and multiculturalism. In Victoria we have seen a clear example of what the Liberal Party are capable of doing when in government. The Baillieu government in Victoria champion discrimination and try to divide the Victorian community. They are bringing back unlimited rights to religious organisations, which will allow them to discriminate against gays and lesbians, single mothers and people who hold different spiritual beliefs. These organisations will now be able to refuse employment and services to people who do not conform with their views. By doing this Baillieu is supporting inequity, prejudice and bigotry.

The previous Victorian Labor government fought to eradicate discrimination and promote multiculturalism. The Baillieu government is doing the complete opposite. It is continuing the Liberal tradition of tearing down equality and opportunity. To make things worse, the Baillieu government has also taken away the power of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and put it in the Department of Premier and Cabinet; therefore, weakening the VMC’s independence.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members’ statements has concluded.