Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Hansard source

So any senator in this chamber who has not called for accountability, that is the question here. We must call for accountability and that is exactly what this document is doing. We intend to move forward. This whole argument is about people who are marginalised and people who are so-called disadvantaged in this nation. They are also calling out. If we really want to address the real issues concerning these people then we must make sure that the money that is allocated to go there must go there. Am I asking too much that we must have accountability? If you cannot support that, why not? That is what the Australian people want. Taxpayers want accountability. The people you are supposed to be supporting want accountability.

It's not about a lack of money. There has been over a trillion dollars thrown at this. It's about accountability. Am I picking up that, because nothing has happened, there's a protection racket going on here? We've heard it over the years with the legal services, the land councils and so many other government corporations and organisations. It's all shut down; you never want to say or do anything about it. For years I've copped, 'You're racist,' because I dare raise these issues. Criticism is not racism! I'm doing my job. That's what each and every one of you should be doing in this place. Do your job and call for accountability. I don't only do it with the Aboriginal industry; I do it with the NDIS and any other department that I feel is not doing its job. There needs to be accountability for the Australian taxpayers.

It's not only the Aboriginal people that are hurting. We have an issue with the high cost of living in this country. People are homeless. They're living in tents in parks. They can't afford to pay their electricity bills. We need to rein in the spending and demand accountability—where it's going. We need to stop the fraudsters and the corruption. We need to stop patting them on the back and saying: 'It's alright, mate. Because of your background, who you are and what your race is, we're not going to drag you before the courts and make you accountable.' That's not standing up and being leaders of this nation. I call for that right across the board with everyone.

That's what I'm asking the senators of this place. If you are true to your word—you took the oath in this place to represent the people of this nation to the best of your ability—that's what you should be doing. This motion is calling for accountability with taxpayers' dollars. If you sit there and turn your back on it and don't support this motion, you will be to blame and I will tell you to your face: you don't deserve to be in this place. There are people out there who are relying on us to be the leaders of this nation. If we can't call it out then who can? No-one else can. That's our job. I took this job with pride. I'm humble and I'm privileged to have this position in this parliament. That's why I'll stand up and fight for it without fear or favour. I'm sick of hearing the lies told in this place. I'm sick and tired of you backing your own positions without standing up with some determination and belief in this country. All Australians, regardless of their race, should be on an equal basis with the same rights.