Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Cities and Urban Infrastructure) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A short time ago, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern released the findings of the royal commission into terrorist attacks on Christchurch's mosques. Prime Minister Ardern delivered an apology to all those affected and recognised that an apology isn't enough by committing to implement all 44 recommendations. Australia too must do more than offer condolences. We must recognise that an Australian terrorist committed these atrocities—an Australian radicalised here on our soil. In this place, we are charged with keeping Australians safe and it pains me to read in the report that Muslim New Zealanders felt unsafe prior to the murders. We must recognise that Australia is not immune to terrorist attacks from homegrown right-wing extremists and this must be a call to action to say, 'No' to hate and to recognise the grave threat posed by right-wing extremism. The report also finds:

Efforts to build social cohesion, inclusion and diversity can contribute to preventing or countering extremism. In addition, having a society that is cohesive, inclusive and embraces diversity is a good in itself.

These are powerful words that we in Australia must also reflect on and in this place we must commit to.