Senator COX (Western Australia) (16:59): I rise to also speak on this matter of urgency. The government does not support this motion. Racism is an extremely serious issue here in Australia, and every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to live their life in any community without prejudice and discrimination. There's no place in this country for racism, hatred and discrimination of any kind, and we unequivocally condemn it. I want to echo some of the commentary from Senator Blyth that this does need to have a serious national conversation. That is exactly what has been missing from some of the contributions that I've heard here today. This matter of urgency has been brought today by Senator Thorpe. I agree with some of your commentary in relation to that, but the simple fact is that Australians deserve an honest conversation. Rather than the screaming and shouting and accusing and creating outrage that happens in this chamber, the Albanese Labor government is actually getting on with the work to tackle racism. Senator Thorpe: You've really sold out. You've sold your soul! Senator COX: I don't know—you were heard in silence so maybe you could reciprocate that. I know you don't like me, but how about you give it a go just for today? The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Kovacic ): Senator Thorpe! Could you direct your comments through the chair, please. Senator Cox, could you proceed. Senator COX: Pull her up, because she doesn't like it when people interrupt her. The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Cox, please if you would like to proceed. Senator Thorpe interjecting— Senator COX: See? The suggestion that nothing has happened since the national antiracism framework was delivered is simply false. In October 2022, this government provided $7.5 million over four years and ongoing funding to the Australian Human Rights Commission to develop the National Anti-Racism Strategy, of which the framework forms a part. The government is taking a multifaceted approach to tackling racism. We funded the Respect atuni report, examining racism in Australian universities. We funded the Seen and Heard project, supporting communities affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict, and we are delivering on an antiracism campaign that's called There's Nothing Casual About Racism. We are embedding antiracism principles in the national curriculum. And last week, this parliament commenced inquiry into racism, hate and violence being directed at First Nations people. That is looking at the rise of that. I'm a very proud member of this government, who worked on that piece alongside my colleagues in this chamber Minister McCarthy and Senator Stewart. We are also working collectively on this with our Attorney-General, who is a proud woman of Fijian heritage and our multicultural minister in Minister Ali. These are practical steps. Let's not forget that this parliament returned earlier this year to pass the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026 following the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi. These reforms make it an offence to promote or incite hatred on the basis of race, colour or national or ethnic origin. It strengthens the bans on hate symbols, creating a framework for prohibiting hate organisations and introducing tougher penalties for those who abuse positions and influence to radicalise others. That is real action, and that is what our government is doing. I will not cop any further senators in this place standing in this chamber and declaring that Australia is a racist country, full stop. Making those sorts of sweeping condemnations might create your headlines, but it does nothing to reduce racism and nothing to improve the lives of people who you claim to speak for. Instead of the outrage, try engaging seriously with the legislation that comes before us and put the work in. We see the confrontations; we see the disruptions, the stunts, the things that are designed to provoke a reaction and the speeches that denounce everyone else while offering very, very little in the way of solutions. It is politics built entirely around the spectacle that you want to cause. The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Dolega, on a point of order? Senator Dolega: I just ask for the same respect that Senator Cox showed when other people contributed to the debate. She is a proud First Nations woman on her feet, contributing to the debate. Senator Thorpe: Good ally there, brother. Good ally! The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: I did call for order. Senator Cox, if you could please continue. Senator COX: I thank my colleague. He is a great ally! The truth is that outrage is easy, but governing is pretty hard. Outrage produces some of the headlines, but governing actually produces results, and that is the difference in this debate. While senators want to come in and perform some of that outrage, we over here in the Albanese Labor government are doing the work. We're strengthening the laws against hate, we're investing in education and social cohesion and we're implementing practical policies that actually reduce racism. That work might not produce your viral moments and dramatic speeches, but it actually produces some real outcomes, and that is exactly what our government will continue to deliver while you're still shouting.