STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms BOELE (Bradfield) (13:30): This time tomorrow, the Socceroos will still be playing Paraguay. It's a critical game for our World Cup prospects, but it also comes at a critical time back home, because, here in this building, politicians are weaponising the multicultural qualities of our soccer team and Australians across the country. These politicians are seeking to divide us by blaming multiculturalism for all our problems.

It's immensely disappointing that politicians feel emboldened to put in the boot to those Australians born overseas or whose parents are born overseas but who now call Australia home. The Socceroos reflect who we are at our best. They may play soccer, but they are not political footballs.

The team, which is made up of people from at least 15 cultural and ethnic backgrounds who are all representing Australia at the highest level on the world stage, makes it so clear how multiculturalism makes us stronger. People who choose to call Australia home share the same commitment to the principles contained in the citizenship pledge as Australians who were born here, a commitment to democracy, individual rights and liberties, and the rule of law.

People from all around the world can contribute their unique, diverse cultural backgrounds, contribute to our great nation and share a commitment to these Australian ideals. We are all playing on the same team, and it's time that some politicians start behaving like it.