With more than 700 languages spoken by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations before 1788, Australia has always been a place of enormous cultural diversity. My parents moved here from Italy, and I’m very proud of Australia’s diversity and inclusiveness. We in the Greens celebrate and honour the many significant contributions made by Indian Muslims to modern Australia. When the Greens walked out on Senator Pauline Hanson’s hateful Islamophobic first speech, we did so to be a voice in Parliament for the Muslim community across Australia.

I know the Indian Crescent Society of Australia is already doing wonderful and important work to assist new migrants and to build important links with other groups and communities.

I look forward to working with ICSOA to promote peace and harmony in our society, and to ensure that everyone can participate fully in Australia’s communities and public life.

Senator Richard Di Natale
Leader of Australian Greens