ACOSS strongly condemns the racist and deeply offensive statements made by Senator Pauline Hanson denigrating First Nations peoples.
“There is no place in public debate for statements that fuel hate and racism, diminishing First Nation peoples and stoking division,” said ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie.
“ACOSS stands in unwavering solidarity with First Nations communities, acknowledging your sovereignty and celebrating your extraordinary leadership, culture and resilience cultivated over tens of thousands of years.
“First Nations peoples represent the oldest continuous culture on Earth, and your history and knowledge are one of our greatest strengths.
“The focus of our political leaders must be on addressing the urgent, systemic failures that keep communities locked in poverty and inequality. Attempting to sow division through hate-fuelled rhetoric does nothing to help people into homes, improve health services or lower cost-of-living pressures.
“We call on all political leaders to condemn these statements. We must stand together for truth and decency, centering the voices of First Nations peoples and working toward genuine self-determination and justice.
“Today we extend the hand of solidarity to First Nations peoples and communities.
“ACOSS looks forward to working in collaboration with First Nations colleagues to deliver real solutions to the challenges people face.”
