JOURNALIST: Senator what did you make of Pauline Hansons speech?
SENATOR PENNY WONG, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE: Ms Hanson is obviously very good at trying to get a political headline, and that has certainly worked as you are all here talking to me about her. But I would say this: were a country that has been strong built through waves of migration over the last 60 years. Whether it is people from Italy and Greece, whether it is from Eastern Europe, whether it is from Asia, we have together built a strong multicultural society and it has been one of our great strengths.
I would say this, prejudice and fear can tear a community apart, but it can never build one. Ms Hansons prescriptions, what she says, the things she asks people to do do not make Australia stronger. Which country in the world has ever become stronger and safer through targeting a group of people because of their ethnicity or their religion? None.
Senator Hansons views, I dont think, are views which make this country a safer place or a more secure place.
JOURNALIST: With your portfolio in mind do you hold concerns that this may be making headlines and ending the wrong impression overseas?
WONG: Certainly the political debate on these issues does get a bit of press internationally. I do remember when she first said that Australia would be swamped by Asians, when I went back to my hometown in Malaysia people would raise it with me. But look at our community. Were a diverse community. Were a community engaged with the world. Thats not going to stop because Senator Hanson wants a headline.
JOURNALIST: Senator, is the plebiscite legislation now dead?
WONG: Well obviously go through our proper process and have a Caucus on the Bill which was only introduced this week. But you would have heard from senior members of the Labor Party, from myself, but also more importantly from the Leader Bill Shorten the concerns we have. And those concerns about a plebiscite have been exacerbated, they have been worsened by the ham-fisted way in which George Brandis has handled this. Theres a pretty easy way through this, we could just have a vote.
It was pretty telling yesterday wasnt it? Malcolm Turnbull introducing a Bill on his one year anniversary, a Bill that is Tony Abbotts policy that he doesnt believe in. It says everything about Mr Turnbulls leadership.