Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
On 31 August 2025 there were organised marches, including in Tasmania, at which speakers’ vitriol targeted migrants and Palawa people alike. Many people were made to feel scared and unwelcome in Lutruwita/Tasmania, their home.
The West Australian Premier said similar marches in his state were ‘a disgrace’. The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, condemned them and the attack on the Aboriginal Camp Sovereignty. The New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, strongly criticised the organisers afterwards, and the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has been condemning them publicly.
The recent announcement of a ministry for multicultural affairs in your government was welcomed by the Greens. Premier, distressingly, both you and your new minister for multicultural affairs were silent about these rallies, which is a stark contrast to other government leaders. Premier, what message do you have to Palawa and multicultural communities? Will you condemn the racist sentiment of these rallies?
The SPEAKER – The honourable member’s time for asking the question has expired.
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the honourable member for the question. The nub of question was about condemning racism, which, of course I do, in all its forms. Irrespective of how that racism is expressed or presented, I condemn it wholeheartedly. What Tasmania has is a very proud history around multiculturalism, welcoming people to Tasmania from all walks of life and all places around the world.
We have a very dark history regarding indigenous Tasmanians, of which we have work underway, led by the honourable Speaker and now the honourable member for Aboriginal Affairs, Ms Archer, about truth‑telling and healing. When it comes to embracing all walks of life, all cultures, irrespective of where in the world people come from and arrive on Tasmanian shores, we need and must embrace Tasmanians and celebrate our migrant history. Of course I condemn any racism and always will do.
I am very proud of the fact that our Minister for Multicultural Affairs has embraced the responsibility. We have made a very clear commitment to a multicultural affairs minister, which I am proud of, and I am sure Ms Ogilvie will also lead the charge when it comes to supporting an inclusive Tasmania.
