On behalf of all Labor senators, and of all fair-minded Australians, I thank the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator George Brandis, for his words today.
The sort of bigotry and divisiveness we saw displayed by Senator Hanson today has no place in our society. It certainly has no place in our parliament.
Today our parliament showed leadership when it was needed.
It is one thing to wear religious dress as an act of faith. It is another to wear it as a stunt. That can only give offence and divide.
Nobody needs to defend Senator Hansons right to speak. The people that need defending are the people she attacks.
Leaders have an obligation to stand up for the people in Australia who do not have a voice and today the Parliament did so.