Senator Wong (South Australia — Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate): By leave — Senator Hanson speaks of division, yet it is she who sows division. Senator Hanson speaks of respect, yet it is she who sows disrespect. Senator Hanson, I listened closely to your remarks, and I would like to say this to you: you are not obliged to agree with the tradition of acknowledging Indigenous ownership of the land. I do not agree with you—and I think the majority in this chamber do not agree with you—but you are not obliged to agree with it. However, it is part of the rituals and traditions of this chamber, and, as a Senator, I believe you ought to respect that. I believe you ought to respect that.
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I also listened to the speech that was just delivered, and I must say I was very pleased by the presence of the Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Ley, at the Welcome to Country ceremony at the opening of Parliament, and by her expression of respect and appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Auntie Violet. Ms. Ley said the following:
May this set the tone as we reaffirm our commitment to taking practical measures to improve the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Australians in every corner of our great country.
I hope that the Opposition will reflect upon the words of their leader regarding the Welcome to Country.
Much has been said about what this chamber—this House—represents. It is a home for all Australians. That is true. And it is a home that embodies our history and our multicultural diversity, as well as the history of Australia’s Indigenous peoples and Torres Strait Islanders—the oldest history in the world. I would conclude with this: decency and respect cost us nothing, yet they contribute immeasurably to strengthening our sense of unity. And if you wish to see what nobility and respect look like, perhaps you might recall the words of Senator McCarthy, spoken just a few minutes ago. I do not intend to grant permission for further statements, given their volume…
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