Thursday,21 March 2024

Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:51): Today also marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Although it has been 76 years since the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, enshrining rights and freedoms for all without exception, Victorians still fall victim to racism. That is why we must continue to proactively prevent and address racism in our state at every opportunity, because everyone’s rights matter and equality is not negotiable. As we mark these occasions we reflect upon the fundamental values of tolerance and respect that bind our multicultural, multifaith and wider communities. We must all continue to do our part to create an inclusive, harmonious and equal society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.