‘Words can be bullets’: Tony Burke calls on people to ‘not underestimate’ harm of racism

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says the multicultural framework is an “important document” following a “long period of consultation”. Mr Burke said it “starts with a simple view that we are better together”. “That the fact that we need quite properly to have rules around making sure everybody is safe does not disqualify us from also making sure people feel welcome,” he said. “I put to those who are in a similar position to me … neither you nor me … will experience racism at any point in our lives in Australia, but our neighbours will, and our friends will.” “Words can be bullets, and what might seem like a great way to a headline, none of us should underestimate the harm it does not just to those individuals, but to the fabric of the nation.”