Stickers from a violent neo-Nazi group were found on Greens posters in Sydney this morning. They warn of an “Islamic takeover”. The group, Combat 18, is linked to decades of hate speech and violence towards migrants, Muslims and people of colour #auspol #ausvotes19
The terrifying frequency of incidents like this does not make them any less scary. I want to spend the last days of the campaign talking with the community about the issues that matter. Instead I’m worried about violent neo-Nazis targeting me and endangering Greens volunteers.
Neo-nazi, white supremacist and extreme right groups do not emerge or survive on their own. They feel encouraged to air their hateful views by those in positions of power who normalise hate speech. They are sustained by media coverage that serves to legitimise their vile views.
The extreme right are fuelled by the hateful Islamophobic and anti-migrant rhetoric that has been allowed into the mainstream.
This weekend we have the opportunity to kick some merchants of hate out of parliament. We should seize it.
I will not be silenced. We should work every day to end racism and xenophobia and build a welcoming society, founded on compassion and respect.
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