Senator Van condemns increase in racism

Senator David Van, Senator for Victoria, today rose in the Senate to call out the increase of racist attacks across the country, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

During his statement to the Senate, Senator Van described some of the instances of racism that had occurred in Victoria over the past month, and condemned all racist acts and behaviours against people in Australia.

“It troubles me that I could spend this entire time listing instances of racism in my home state that have occurred over the past month”, Senator Van said.

“All people in Australia – whether you arrived recently or your family have walked these lands since time immemorial – should never have to accept aggressive acts towards them, let alone based on their heritage.

Senator Van then successfully passed a motion in the Senate condemning the racist attacks in the strongest manner possible.

“It is important that we call out racism at every possible step, so that there is no misunderstanding that it is not welcome in Australia.

“All Australians are in the challenge together, and only together we will get through this.