By Ewen McRae
Brimbank deputy mayor Daniel Allan has publicly rebuked Senator Fraser Anning’s maiden speech in Parliament, calling it ‘racist’ and ‘xenophobic’.
Senator Anning caused an uproar with his speech on August 14, calling for an end to Muslim immigration to Australia, a return to the White Australia policy, while also using the term ‘final solution’ – a phrase most commonly associated with the Holocaust.
Cr Allan, himself a Muslim-Australian, made a speech at last week’s council meeting where he condemned Senator Anning, and spoke of the hurt his remarks had caused in the community.
“Senator Fraser Anning’s maiden speech in Parliament was one of the most racist, xenophobic, Islamaphobic and pro white Australia speeches I’ve heard from an MP,” Cr Allan said.
“As an Arab Australian Muslim, I understand how powerful, damaging and hurtful comments made and broadcast through TV, radio and social media are towards the Australian Muslim community and how important it is to call out this divisive, inflammatory and racist speech.
“We know how vulnerable people – who are suffering with depression, anxiety, isolation and made to feel like an outsider – are those who are more likely to turn to crime due to vilification and being ostracised. These are people who feel as though society does not care.
“Brimbank is one of the most diverse and disadvantaged communities in Victoria, speeches such as those by Senator Anning show that unfortunately there are still underlying social issues and prejudice that exist.
“We are proud to be Brimbank and we need to send a strong message that we stand together in the face of these racist, xenophobic and Islamaphobic comments and say that they don’t represent us and we will work towards building a better future through open and frank dialogue.”
The council unanimously reconfirmed its commitment to an inclusive community.
