THE recent March for Australia rallies have been condemned by Federal Member for Bonner Kara Cook as “parades of division and prejudice”.
Ms Cook addressed Parliament on the marches which attracted thousands of protesters in Brisbane, joining similar events in other cities.
“These so-called March for Australia rallies were not patriotic gatherings; they were parades of division, fear and prejudice,” she said.
“Let’s be clear: when elected representatives stand alongside extremists, they are complicit.
“Senators Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts and Bob Katter chose to legitimise hate.
“They marched not for Australia but against values that make Australia strong.
“They stood shoulder to shoulder with people who reject our multicultural success story, who would seek to turn back the clock on decades of progress and who thrive on hate and suspicion.
“That is dangerous, it is reckless, and it is utterly un-Australian.”
March for Australia organisers said Australia was “changing in ways most never agreed to”.
“Endless migration, weak leadership, and political cowardice have brought us here, and it’s time to put a stop to it,” the group said.
Ms Cook said Australia was at its best when it was inclusive, diverse and welcoming.
“Those who preach division tear at the social fabric of our nation for their own political gain,” she said.
Queensland Senator Pauline Hanson praised the March for Australia rallies as “proud, peaceful demonstrations of unity”.
Senator Hanson said the rallies were not hateful or divisive and criticised politicians for being “gutless” and “refusing to stand alongside everyday Australians concerned about mass migration, housing and the cost of living”.
“Australians – new migrants included – should not be ashamed to wave the national flag and show pride in their country’s values and future,” she said.
