This motion, brought forward by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson MLA, called on all members of the Assembly to re-affirm their support for Canberra’s multicultural community and to condemn recent anti-immigration rallies. It also called for the Social Policy Committee, of which Thomas is the Chair, to inquire into the re-emergence and rising prevalence of extremist political ideologies and belief systems in the ACT.
Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley proposed an amendment that broadened the scope of the motion to also note extremist ideologies that had been a part of some recent pro-Palestine marches.
While Thomas understood the intent of these amendments, and condemned any and all extremist ideologies on both the left and the right, he argued Ms Castley’s amendment risked distracting from, and undermining, a unified Assembly position specifically on anti-immigration ideologies. Canberra Liberals MLA Elizabeth Lee made a similar argument. For this reason, he voted against the proposed amendment, as did the ACT Greens, ACT Labor and Fiona Carrick MLA.
The motion in its unamended form was passed by the Assembly. Thomas was pleased to be able to reaffirm his support for Canberra’s multicultural community, which he believes is absolutely integral to the vibrant social fabric of our city.