The Senate erupted in heated exchanges on Monday as a Greens motion condemning politicians for xenophobic dog-whistling was voted down by both major parties.
The debate, which followed the weekend's violent attack on Camp Sovereignty in Naarm by far-right demonstrators, saw Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi move a motion condemning the "racist, white supremacist, and anti-immigrant rallies held over the weekend" as well as rebuking the support and attendance of the rallies by some politicians.
"It is the people in here that normalise and legitimise this hate. And it is harming people, it is making their lives miserable and unsafe," Senator Faruqi said.
The government sought an amendment to remove references to politicians, while the opposition said it would not support the motion on the grounds that freedom of speech and assembly must always be protected.
"Those kinds of sweeping statements are wrong and they are not productive. We do not believe that politicians and all media have been doing this," Labor Senator Jenny McAllister said.
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe then moved her own amendment, calling for specific condemnation of "the far-right extremist neo-Nazis" who attacked Camp Sovereignty.
She also argued "the far right movement in this country is a continuation of the original violence and genocide against First Peoples that has occurred since invasion".
Senator Thorpe's amendment further called on the government to "condemn these white supremacist attacks; and ensure the Australian Federal Police investigates the attacks on Camp Sovereignty as hate crimes and acts of terrorism".
Both major parties voted it down, and in the aftermath, Senator Thorpe could be heard saying in the chamber, "you are the problem" and "disgusting racists".
"You don't condemn violence against my people... absolute filth," she was heard to say.
Eventually, a motion was passed that "rejects the racism, white supremacy and condemnation of immigrants on display at rallies held over the weekend" and "profoundly disapproves of MPs supporting and attending these rallies". However, the opposition refused to back sections explicitly condemning "the far-right extremist neo-Nazis, including the National Socialist Network".
Federal Senators Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts attended the Canberra rally, while MP Bob Katter appeared at the Townsville event.
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Wide-spread condemnation over the attack on Camp Sovereignty
Outrage has been swift over the attack on Camp Sovereignty after footage showed black-clad men storming the camp at King's Domain on Sunday during nationwide anti-immigration rallies.
The attackers were seen verbally abusing camp members and stomping on the Aboriginal flag. Some also chanted, "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi oi, oi," before fleeing as police arrived.
"This was not random violence. These racists launched their attack at the time we regularly hold community gatherings for weekly healing ceremonies," a statement from Camp Sovereignty read.
"These ceremonies are dedicated to honouring our ancestors, promoting peace and unity, and working to heal the wounds of genocide and the deep rift imposed between First Nations peoples and settlers. To target us at this moment reveals that their true intent is to desecrate what is sacred and to violently disrupt our efforts at collective healing on behalf of racism, fascism and white supremacy."
A 16-minute Facebook Live video, posted shortly after 5 p.m., captures camp members calling for peace and urging the intruders to leave.
"Stop stop, no stop," one person can be heard yelling. "Please leave."
Senator Thorpe said the attacks, which allegedly involved known neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell, showed "racism out on full display," calling it an "unprovoked, coordinated Nazi attack on Aboriginal people", whilst Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, condemned the "violent and unprovoked attack" on the camp in the "strongest possible terms".
In a statement on Monday afternoon, the First Peoples' Assembly said the violence has no place in society, and many had been left shaken after witnessing the horrific attack by neo-Nazi's.
"Camp Sovereignty sits on a sacred ceremonial ground and holds the remains of ancestors from across Victoria," they said.
"Let that be a reminder that we're still here, we're still strong and our sovereignty was never ceded."
Victoria Police say it is investigating, but as of Monday afternoon, no arrests had been made.
Members of the public who witnessed the Camp Sovereign incident, has footage or information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
