Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

We support the first parts of this motion. Of course we support the right to peaceful protest and we condemn the violent protests that occurred. But this motion also condemns a media outlet for publishing a piece that the mover disagrees with. As it happens, I also disagree with some of the media commentary in response to the protest. I disagree with Andrew Bolt, who said:

If this comes from opening our doors, then shut them. If this comes from multiculturalism, then scrap it.

If this is the fruit of our tolerance, let's try intolerance.

I find those views abhorrent. I find those views worthy of condemnation. However, I have not sought to condemn those views, because I do believe in a free press. There is a touch of irony in this, in that the other side, who have made such a song and dance about free speech, now move a motion to condemn a publication they do not agree with.