Zaneta Mascarenhas (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As a nation, we find it difficult to talk about racism. It's no different for me. Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It prompts me to remember the first time that I experienced racism. I was 10 years old. I was on a hockey field. I burst into tears. Racism hurts, offends and excludes people and can have a lasting impact. Racism in any form or any place is unacceptable. This goes for all parts of our society, whether it's a mine site, a bar, Instagram or our parliament. Modern Australia is a multicultural Australia, and in modern Australia there is no room for racism.

It's also Harmony Week, and I believe that one of the things in overcoming barriers to acceptance is listening. I think that this is a way that we can bridge the divide between cultures and celebrate our shared humanity. This is more important than ever before. Diversity is a strength—we know this scientifically—but we also need to see this in our decision-making bodies. So our decision-making bodies must reflect our communities, whether that's ASX 200 boards, P&Cs or our Parliament House. I am proud that the 47th Parliament is the most multicultural in our history. I stand next to the member for Reid and the member for Bennelong, and we're all children of migrants. Thank you.