Sideshow Dutton ‘flying the flag for racism and division’

By PETER ROWE

Greens Senator Dorinda Cox has slammed Opposition leader Peter Dutton for announcing he would not stand beside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at press conferences, saying he is not fit to be Prime Minister.

Senator Cox called Mr Dutton’s approach a ‘Trump-style stunt” and added that people had had enough of his divisive talk.

“Everyone’s sick of Peter ‘Sideshow Bob’ Dutton waving his flag for clickbait on the back of division and racism,” Senator Cox told ibnews.com,au

“Australia has three beautiful, unique and amazing chapters, which all, in their own way, contribute to the life of what it means to be Australian.

“Choosing to discard and completely disrespect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags proves he is ignoring our history, and importantly our legacy in this country as First Peoples.”

Opposition leader Peter Dutton wants to remove Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders flags from official press conferences.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were declared official Australian flags in 1995 and are vital symbols of cultural identity and pride for First Nations people.

Senator Cox said this latest comment from the Opposition leader comes after he walked out on the 2008 National Apology to the Stolen Generations, and leading the opposition’s ‘No’ campaign on the 2023 Voice Referendum.

“I hope when we go to the polls next year to elect the 49th Parliament of Australia, that voters send a clear message to the Coalition that division, race-baiting, and distraction have no place in our country’s leadership,” Senator Cox said.

“The Greens continue to fight for truth telling and treaties with First Peoples, we can’t change the past but together we can change the future.”