2021-08-16
A shocking investigation by Nine into Australia’s largest white supremacist group has uncovered the most horrific evidence yet of a growing far-right movement, the Greens say.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens anti-racism spokesperson, said:
“The investigation is shocking but not entirely surprising for those of us who have followed the rise of the far-right closely and are impacted by racism and its deadly consequences.
“These men want nothing less than a white ethno-state and violence against any minorities and anti-racists who seek to stand in its way. If not dealt with now, they will pose an existential threat to our multicultural society.
“We have to deal with the extremists themselves, but also the political environment in which they are emboldened and led down a path of hate. Too often, racism is given a free pass in media and mainstream politics.
“The government must develop, fund and roll out a far-reaching anti-racism plan. We know white supremacy and racism is festering in society. There is no time to waste. We need an unambiguous commitment to anti-racism.
“There must be a zero tolerance approach. Laws on hate speech must be enforced and strengthened and community programs to counter the far-right require significant investment.”
Senator Lidia Thorpe, Greens First Nations and justice spokesperson, said:
“First Nations people have faced the violence of white supremacy since colonisation. Will the Morrison government take a stand against the latest threat, or be complicit in their silence?
“We need to be clear about who and what constitutes a threat to our communities.
“In 2019, an Australian was responsible for two mass shootings at Mosques in Aotearoa (New Zealand). In 2020, ASIO revealed that 40% of counter-terrorism cases involve far-right violent extremism. In 2021, what is the Morrison government doing to keep Aboriginal people and multicultural communities safe?”