David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week, a memorial bench here in Canberra for the late Nathan Booth, a Punthamara and Gubbi Gubbi man, was vandalised. It was spray-painted with the most horrific racism you can imagine, and the plaque that his family had laid was stolen. Nathan's family went through so much just to get the memorial in place. It's hard to imagine the pain of seeing it desecrated like this and what that is causing them.

I want to read out some of the words Nathan's sister Deanne shared because I think she puts it perfectly. She said:

A memorial is a sacred place—it's meant for reflection, remembrance, and respect. The fact that Nathan's chair has been vandalised, especially when another—

non-Indigenous—

memorials in the same area remain untouched—

for years—

speaks volumes about the level of disregard and racism still present.

…   …   …

It's not just a bench; it's a symbol of justice, love, and a legacy that shouldn't be tainted by racial prejudice ignorance and hate.

Stronger accountability and greater awareness are key to challenging and eliminating these disgraceful racial practices—not just in the ACT, but across Australia.

No one should have to fight to protect a memorial, especially one honoring a lost loved one. The fact that this kind of desecration is happening shows that racism is still deeply embedded in parts of our society.

I just wanted to read that and say that so many in the community stand with Deanne and her family. I think we've seen this week that the Senate stands against racism in all forms, and we all can and must do more to combat it in Australia.