MOTIONS

Senator RUSTON (South Australia—Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (15:36): I want to join my colleagues in this chamber in condemning and rejecting the comments made by Senator Hanson, which were inflammatory and divisive, in regard to Muslim Australians. I think most Australians would reject these comments. I had hoped today to have a vote on the very matter of condemning these comments.

I proposed an amendment—which was precluded because of the motion that set up this motion—to Senator Wong's motion, stating that the Senate condemns and rejects Senator Hanson's inflammatory and divisive comments regarding Muslim Australians. However, I want to reinforce, even though I'm unable to move my amendment, that the hateful nature of these comments has no place in this country.

Australia is culturally and religiously diverse. The contribution of every single citizen of this country is valued by this nation. It always has been.

This nation has always drawn on the strength of this diversity that has made Australia so great. I'm sorry I couldn't move my amendment, but I condemn the comments. The PRESIDENT: Senator Cash indicated earlier that the coalition will vote differently on part (g) of this motion.

I intend to put part (a) through to part (f) of Minister Wong's motion. The question is that parts (a) to (f) of the motion as moved by Senator Wong be agreed to. Question agreed to.

The PRESIDENT: The question is that part (g) of the motion moved by Senator Wong be agreed to.