New Senator Seeks To Reclaim The Phrase “One Nation”

Media Statement - 21 August 2002

Newly elected Senator for South Australia Penny Wong made her first speech in the Senate today.

In the speech she called for an open, honest and constructive debate about race in Australia which she described as one of the fundamental national political challenges of our day.

Let us reclaim the phrase "One Nation". I seek a nation that is truly one nation. One in which all Australians can share, regardless of race, gender, or other attribute, regardless of where they live, and where difference is not a basis for exclusion.

We do not live in such a country. We are not yet truly one nation. But it is the task of political leaders to build one.

Senator Wong criticised the Prime Minister's role in this debate and said that under his leadership there has been much preaching about the excesses of political correctness. She said that we now have a new political correctness, one in which it is correct to defend racism, but incorrect to defend tolerance.

Senator Wong believes that,

People don't share if they don't have their fair share. Nor do they listen if they are not listened to. So we must work to create a nation where there is a fair share for all, and an environment where fears and prejudices are discussed and dealt with. Responsibly.

Senator Wong said she hoped that as a Senator for South Australia she could play a role in rebuilding a community where there is a fair share for all Australians.

You can find more information on Penny Wong, the newly elected South Australian senator by visiting this link; Penny Wong, Senator for South Australia