Background:

The National Anti‑Racism Framework was developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission as a whole‑of‑society roadmap to eliminate racism in Australia. It contains 63 recommendations for action across government, justice, health, education, media, and workplaces to address racism in all its forms, with First Nations perspectives central to its development.

The Albanese government, which funded the development of the framework, received it in November 2024, but has still not provided any formal response.

Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:

"This was a serious attack on First Peoples that very easily could have led to mass casualties. Our Elders and young people could have been killed.

Now our people are rightly asking why this attack has not been met with the same urgency and leadership we see in other cases of violence and terrorism.

First Peoples need to know that the government is taking this seriously and that real action will be taken to prevent it happening again.

We need a full investigation into the policing and intelligence failures that put our people and supporters at risk.

But investigation alone is not enough. The Albanese government must lead a strong policy response to the rising threats against First Peoples and to racism and hate in all its forms.

The government should immediately implement the National Anti-Racism Framework, which was delivered by the Race Discrimination Commissioner more than a year ago.

The government has still failed to formally respond, let alone begin implementing its recommendations. At a time of escalating racial hatred and violence, that inaction is indefensible.

Next week in Parliament, I will move a motion urging the entire Parliament to condemn Monday's attack and commit to real action to address racism and hate against First Peoples.

After Bondi, both major parties spoke with urgency about confronting racism and hate. This is their opportunity to show that commitment is consistent, not selective or just about playing politics.

So far, we have seen no substantial response from the Albanese government.

When attacks have occurred against other communities, the government has spoken out strongly and acted quickly. We saw this after the horrific Bondi attack. First Peoples are asking why this attack against us is being treated so differently.

We have also heard nothing from the Coalition and others who were front and centre after Bondi. Their silence in the face of this attack speaks to the emptiness of their words.

I also call on the Albanese government to expand the terms of reference of the Royal Commission so it can examine all forms of racism and hate. First Peoples and other targeted communities cannot be left out.

It is essential to confront antisemitism. But it is just as essential to confront the rising racism faced by First Peoples and other communities.

The attempted bombing of First Peoples on Invasion Day shows how urgent this is. No one is safe until we are all safe from racial hatred.