Labor joins all of Australia in celebrating Harmony Day for 2015.

For the past 15 years, Harmony Day has celebrated our rich multiculturalism and spread the message that everyone belongs in a diverse and inclusive Australia. 

Today we recognise that the exchange of ideas among myriad cultures is a continual source of innovation and vitality.

Harmony Day coincides with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It reminds us why it is so important to fight racism and never excuse it.

Racism erodes the human spirit and damages the community and we all have a responsibility to stamp it out wherever it arises.

Labor has been steadfast in its support for protections against racist hate speech. We must never give the green light to racism and bigotry.

As we celebrate Harmony Day, let us renew and strengthen our commitment to safeguard its message of respect and inclusiveness for all.

SATURDAY, 21 MARCH 2015