National Anti-Racism Framework

Ghosh defended the government's record, citing historical achievements such as the Racial Discrimination Act and current initiatives like funding for the Respect at Uni report and the Seen and Heard project. Ghosh argued that tackling racism required a multifaceted, community-based approach involving education and systemic reform, which the government was pursuing. Ghosh stated that the framework was part of a broader National Anti-Racism Strategy being developed with the Australian Human Rights Commission. Ghosh emphasised the need for nuance and collaboration in addressing the complex issue of racism.

Faruqi criticised the government for allowing the framework to gather dust for 470 days without a response or funding. Faruqi highlighted the increasing severity of racist attacks, including threats against mosques and the Bondi massacre, arguing these were symptoms of systemic failure. Faruqi accused the government of ignoring structural racism and failing to address Islamophobia, citing the rejection of a motion marking the Christchurch anniversary. Faruqi asserted that both the government and the coalition were part of the problem by refusing to fund and implement the framework's recommendations.

Payman supported the motion, challenging claims that the framework labelled all Australians as racist. Payman argued that the government's minimal mention of the framework demonstrated a lack of commitment to addressing the root causes of social division. Payman highlighted the personal experience of racism faced by visibly Muslim women in parliament. Payman urged the Prime Minister to implement the framework's recommendations to improve social cohesion and address the underlying issues driving racism.

Cox opposed the motion, stating that the government was actively tackling racism through funding for the Australian Human Rights Commission and the development of the National Anti-Racism Strategy. Cox highlighted recent legislative actions, including the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026, and inquiries into violence against First Nations people. Cox argued that the government's approach focused on practical outcomes and education rather than political outrage. Cox criticised the motion for making sweeping condemnations that did not contribute to reducing racism or improving community lives.

Pocock supported the motion, calling for the full implementation and funding of the National Anti-Racism Framework. Pocock cited local examples of racism in the ACT, including racial profiling and online abuse, and noted the lack of legislation addressing racial vilification compared to antisemitism. Pocock highlighted the increase in Islamophobic incidents recorded by the Islamophobia Register and the concerns of Muslim communities in Canberra. Pocock urged parliamentarians to stand together against racism and lead with empathy during a period of heightened religious observance.

Hodgins-May supported the motion, citing the recent attack on a Muslim iftar in Ballarat as evidence of the urgent need for government action. Hodgins-May blamed the government's inaction on the framework and its migration policies for creating a climate that emboldened far-right groups. Hodgins-May argued that the government was abandoning Muslim Australians and First Nations people by refusing to implement the actionable plan. Hodgins-May called for an immediate response to the framework to ensure safety and welcome for affected communities.