Opened the debate
Faruqi supported the bill, arguing that the inclusion of mandatory minimum sentences in earlier hate crime legislation was a breach of civil liberties resulting from a political agreement between the Labor and Liberal Parties. Faruqi contended that this agreement was based on a hoax involving a fabricated terrorist plot, which misled the community and the crossbench. Faruqi stated that mandatory sentencing undermines judicial independence, leads to unjust outcomes, and disproportionately affects First Nations people and other marginalised groups. Faruqi cited the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Law Council of Australia to support the view that such laws are discriminatory and ineffective as a crime deterrent.