Malcolm Turnbull must show the leadership Tony Abbott would not and pull Coalition MPs who preach division and fear into line.

Mr Turnbull can start with George Christensen who has made a habit of making divisive, offensive and idiotic comments which damage social cohesion and community harmony.

The new Prime Minister must also take a stand against Senator Cory Bernardi’s misguided Halal and Kosher food inquiry. 

As well as this, the Turnbull Government should join with Labor and commit to protecting race hate speech protections in the Racial Discrimination Act and announce the Coalition will not support the divisive legislation currently before the Senate which seeks to water down these protections.

If Mr Turnbull doesn’t counsel these divisive elements of his Government then he will be exactly the same as Mr Abbott.

At a time when recent findings from the Scanlon Foundation reveal worrying trends in our migrant communities - including increased levels of discrimination and a reduced sense of belonging - this Prime Minister should show the leadership his predecessor wouldn’t and it begins with disciplining George Christensen and Senator Bernardi.

WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2015