Question Time AU

General Debate

Australian Society: Social Cohesion

House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

This grievance debate featured two members raising distinct issues. Linda Burney addressed social cohesion, highlighting the success of Australian multiculturalism while condemning recent acts of antisemitism and racism, including vandalism at a synagogue. She supported the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill and praised government efforts to maintain social harmony. Melissa McIntosh focused on economic grievances in Western Sydney, arguing that the government had broken promises regarding energy affordability, housing, and infrastructure. She criticised the delay in funding specific road projects and advocated for coalition policies on nuclear energy and immigration.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Linda Burney (Barton) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Burney argued that social harmony requires active effort and celebrated the multicultural diversity of her electorate, citing recent community celebrations. Burney condemned the vandalism of the Southern Sydney Synagogue as a cowardly act that undermines social cohesion. Burney stated that racism and prejudice harm all Australians and leave lasting scars on targeted communities. Burney expressed support for the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill and commended the government's leadership in addressing these issues.

Opposition response

Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay) (Liberal Party) Liberal

McIntosh argued that the government had failed to deliver on promises regarding energy prices, noting that bills had risen significantly despite earlier commitments. McIntosh claimed that high energy costs were damaging local manufacturers and small businesses in Western Sydney. McIntosh criticised the government for shelving an independent infrastructure report and cutting funding for vital road projects, including the M7-M12 link. McIntosh advocated for coalition policies involving nuclear energy investment, infrastructure spending, and reduced immigration to address housing and economic pressures.