David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Anning, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

  (i) the revival of a revolutionary song "Shoot the Boer" at political rallies in South Africa,

  (ii) the statement of former South African President Zuma that "We are going to shoot them with machine guns ... shoot the Boer, we are going to hit them, they are going to run",

  (iii) the statement of Mr Julius Malema, a high profile member of the South African Parliament and former leader of the African National Congress Youth League, that "We are not calling for the slaughter of white people, at least for now" and more recently "the time for reconciliation is over" and "go after the white man. If you cut a white man they feel terrible pain",

  (iv) that the South African Parliament recently voted in support of a motion to accelerate the expropriation of white-owned and cultivated farm land without compensation to the owners,

  (v) that white farmers are reported to be five times more likely to be murdered than the general population of South Africa,

  (vi) that farm attacks are often characterised by extreme brutality which includes the physical dismemberment, torture and rape of victims, and also involves the killing of children and infants in horrendous ways that suggest hate is a motivating factor, and

  (vii) that there are frequent claims that authorities are not treating these farm attacks with the urgency they deserve;

(b) calls on the Government to condemn:

  (i) any calls for the killing, marginalisation, persecution, victimisation and targeting of any racial group in the Republic of South Africa by any of its officials or members of parliament, and

  (ii) any law that expropriates land without just compensation;

(c) calls upon the Government of the Republic of South Africa to protect the people of all races equally and without bias; and

(d) investigate what Australia can do to assist the victims of racist violence in South Africa, including the possibility of offering to resettle victims in Australia or assisting their resettlement in another appropriate jurisdiction.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government acknowledges the challenge of violent crime in South Africa, and our concerns are reflected in the official travel advice. The Australian government has also urged the South African government to ensure the safety and security of all of its citizens and, further, has also made our concerns in relation to land reforms known to them. Australia's humanitarian visa entry program is open to any applicant who believes they are facing persecution, with all such claims assessed on their merits. We do not make foreign policy via Senate motions and we will be opposing this motion.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The opposition notes the concerns held in the community about the protection of democratic rights and freedoms in South Africa, as reflected in motions from Senators Leyonhjelm and Anning before the Senate today. The opposition also notes the apparent conflict of views within the Turnbull government, in particular between the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, about Australia's response. The opposition considers it extraordinary that the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection should have injected himself so blatantly into what is a domestic political issue in the Republic of South Africa, particularly given the sensitivity with which President Ramaphosa is handling the matter of land reform. The opposition calls on the Prime Minister to clarify the government's position. Australia's non-discriminatory migration program has been in place for decades and is now an important part of contributing to Australia's vibrant multicultural community. If people are facing persecution, regardless of where they are from or the colour of their skin, they are able to apply for Australia's humanitarian visa program, which application will be assessed on its merits.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that notice of motion No. 742 be agreed to.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I remind senators that we will have a series of divisions and I plan to ring the bells for a shorter period if possible. Senator Patrick, I understand you may want to seek leave to withdraw a matter?